The New York Yankees' major offseason move to sign star outfielder Cody Bellinger has hit a significant roadblock. As the 2025-2026 offseason progresses, negotiations are active but the two sides remain far apart on a crucial detail: the length of the contract.
The Core Stalling Point: Years on the Deal
The central issue in the talks is the number of years. Reports from multiple insiders, including Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, confirm that Cody Bellinger and his representatives at the Boras Corporation are seeking a long-term commitment of six or seven years. This aligns with the player entering his age-30 season and looking for security.
However, the Yankees' front office, led by General Manager Brian Cashman, has a different vision. The team is reportedly more comfortable with a shorter agreement, leaning towards a four- or five-year pact. This difference in vision has created a deadlock, despite the Yankees having made at least two formal offers to the former MVP.
Insider Reports and Market Realities
MLB Network's Jon Morosi highlighted this gap, noting Bellinger's aim for a seven-year deal while the Yankees prefer a shorter term. Analyst Steve Phillips, also on MLB Network, saw a positive in the "back-and-forth" but acknowledged the standoff. The financial aspect, or Average Annual Value (AAV), is also a factor, as reported by Bryan Hoch of SNYtv.
The external market forecast seems to side with the Yankees' caution. MLB Trade Rumors predicted a five-year, $140 million contract for Bellinger at the start of the offseason. The last free agent hitter in his 30s to land a six-plus year deal was Brandon Nimmo back in 2022. Social media commentary, like from Bobby Milone on X, suggests the "sweet spot" is a five-year deal worth $150-160 million, a range the Yankees have not yet met.
Ripple Effects and Competing Interest
This ongoing negotiation is impacting other potential moves for the Bronx Bombers. Speculation suggests that the holdup on Bellinger might be delaying trade talks for starting pitchers like Freddy Peralta or MacKenzie Gore. As Jack Fungo noted on X, the Yankees may be pressing to resolve the Bellinger situation first before diving deeper into the starting pitcher market.
While the Yankees are considered the front-runners, they are not without competition. The New York Mets have been frequently mentioned as a potential suitor, and a reunion with the Chicago Cubs is also a possibility. The Yankees' decision to extend a qualifying offer to Trent Grisham, which affected their draft compensation, is also linked to their strategy with Bellinger.
Despite the current impasse, the desire for a deal is mutual. Brian Cashman has publicly expressed his wish to bring Bellinger back, and most insiders, like Jon Morosi, still believe that in the long run, Cody Bellinger will end up wearing the pinstripes. The question remains: who will blink first on the contract term?
