The New York Yankees have made retaining free agent Cody Bellinger their top offseason priority, shifting their view of him from a temporary solution to a foundational piece for their future. The front office, led by General Manager Brian Cashman, is actively negotiating to bring back the versatile star following a highly successful 2025 campaign.
Why Bellinger Became a Must-Keep Player for the Yankees
Acquired from the Chicago Cubs in December 2024, Cody Bellinger seamlessly integrated into the Yankees' lineup. His performance throughout the 2025 season transformed the team's perception of his value. Bellinger played 152 games, demonstrating durability and consistent production. After the season, he opted out of the final year of his contract, which was worth $25 million, accepting a $5 million buyout to enter free agency at age 30.
The Yankees' desire to re-sign him intensified even after center fielder Trent Grisham accepted a $22 million qualifying offer. The organization is selling Bellinger on the benefits of continuity: everyday at-bats, the hitter-friendly dimensions of Yankee Stadium that suit his swing, and the protection offered by batting in a lineup featuring Aaron Judge. While other teams, including the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers, have shown interest, the Yankees believe their existing partnership gives them an edge.
The Stellar 2025 Numbers That Drove the Demand
Bellinger's statistics from the past season underscore why the Yankees are so determined. He provided a balanced and potent offensive threat while offering elite defensive flexibility.
His slash line was .272/.334/.480, accompanied by 29 home runs and 98 runs batted in. Analysts estimate his Wins Above Replacement (fWAR) at approximately 4.9. Defensively, he recorded +7 Outs Above Average (OAA) while capably handling both the outfield and first base.
This production, combined with Aaron Judge's MVP-caliber season (.331/.457/.688, 53 HR, 114 RBI) and Trent Grisham's power (34 HR) and elite center field defense, created a formidable outfield trio. Together, they smashed 116 home runs. Bellinger's reliable contact hitting forced opposing pitchers to challenge Judge more often, rather than intentionally walking him.
Roster Implications and Contract Considerations
A successful reunion would clearly define the Yankees' outfield alignment for the foreseeable future: Cody Bellinger in left field (with spells at first base), Trent Grisham in center, and Aaron Judge in right. This setup provides stability and allows top prospects like Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones more time to develop without immediate pressure, though it does create a logjam for future playing time.
The contract negotiations are complex, with projections varying widely. Some estimates suggest a deal could be around six years and $180 million, but the final price could climb significantly if a bidding war erupts. The Yankees are carefully weighing the high cost and long-term luxury tax implications against the significant risk and difficulty of finding a player who can replicate Bellinger's unique combination of power, defense, and positional versatility.
Securing Bellinger would raise the team's competitive floor dramatically. It ensures a deep and threatening lineup where pitchers cannot easily avoid any hitter, mistakes are punished, and late-game leads are safer with superior outfield defense. An MLB.com report confirmed the Yankees are "staying engaged" with Bellinger and view him as their primary target following the winter meetings, highlighting a clear strategy to build upon what worked in 2025.
