The New York Yankees and Cody Bellinger are at a standstill in contract talks, according to sources at ESPN. After a solid season, the team had hoped to keep the veteran outfielder. However, it looks like he might sign with another team instead.
The Yankees presented Bellinger with a five-year deal worth at least $30 million per season. This figure aligns with recent contracts signed by other star hitters. For instance, Pete Alonso secured a five-year, $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, and Kyle Schwarber re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies for $150 million over five years. Bellinger’s representatives, led by Scott Boras, are looking for a longer contract with a higher annual value.
Last season, Bellinger had an impressive performance, hitting .272 with 29 home runs while achieving a .334 on-base percentage and a .480 slugging percentage. Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised his athleticism and defensive skills, highlighting Bellinger’s willingness to play wherever needed. He demonstrated his versatility by playing 85 games in left field, 41 in center, and 52 in right. He can also defend at first base if necessary.
At 30 years old, Bellinger thrived in Yankee Stadium, where he hit 18 of his home runs and had an OPS of .909. Coming from a family with baseball roots, he has experience playing in high-pressure markets like Los Angeles and Chicago.
If negotiations don’t change soon, the Yankees will move on and explore other roster options. They’ve shown interest in other talent, including outfielder Kyle Tucker and infielder Bo Bichette, while also discussing potential trades with other teams.
Recent statistics show that top players are increasingly landing lucrative contracts, with many teams investing heavily in talent. In 2022, $1.6 billion was spent on free agents, marking a 30% increase from the previous season, indicating a trend of rising salaries in Major League Baseball.
This kind of financial environment makes it imperative for teams to act quickly. As Bellinger’s future remains uncertain, the evolving landscape of player contracts and team strategies will only intensify these negotiations.
For a deeper dive on player salaries in the current MLB landscape, check out this MLB report.
