The MLB offseason is heating up, and one name is on everyone’s lips: Cody Bellinger. But here’s where it gets controversial—with eight teams reportedly interested, the Yankees might not be the frontrunners they thought they were. Scott Boras, Bellinger’s agent, dropped a bombshell during the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Fla., hinting that nearly one-third of all MLB teams are vying for the outfielder’s services. That’s right—eight teams, including the Yankees, Phillies, Reds, Mets, Dodgers, Giants, Blue Jays, and Angels, are in the mix. But what does this mean for the Yankees, who’ve made no secret of their desire to re-sign Bellinger?
Boras, known for his cryptic yet insightful remarks, painted Bellinger as a rare commodity in today’s market. ‘Great players see red if they lose a big bat,’ he quipped, emphasizing Bellinger’s value as a five-tool player. ‘Outfielders with power are rare birds,’ he added, suggesting that teams are willing to go all-in for such talent. And this is the part most people miss—Boras’s comments subtly hint at a bidding war that could price the Yankees out of the running.
The Yankees’ general manager, Brian Cashman, has been vocal about his love for Bellinger, but he’s also hinted at Plan B options. ‘We’ve got two of those three [outfielders] back,’ Cashman said, referring to Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham. ‘If the markets dictate that we need to go in a different direction, we’re open-minded.’ Is Cashman bluffing, or is he genuinely prepared to walk away from Bellinger?
Here’s the kicker: Bellinger’s market could shift dramatically depending on what happens with Kyle Tucker, the top offensive player available. If teams miss out on Tucker, they might pivot to Bellinger, driving up his price. The Yankees, already facing questions about their payroll after a $319 million spend in 2025, might find themselves in a tough spot. Are the Yankees willing to break the bank for Bellinger, or will they let him walk and focus on other needs?
If Bellinger does leave, the Yankees’ outfield situation becomes murky. Prospects like Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones are unproven, and Cashman has acknowledged the team’s need for more right-handed bats. Free agent Austin Hays could be a platoon option, but he’s no Bellinger. Is the Yankees’ reluctance to commit to Bellinger a sign of financial restraint, or are they simply playing the long game?
Boras, for his part, doesn’t seem concerned. ‘I haven’t met a team that dodges a five-tool player,’ he said, confidently. But with the Dodgers signing Edwin Díaz and the Phillies locking up Kyle Schwarber, the landscape is shifting fast. Will the Yankees regret not moving faster on Bellinger, or will they find a way to bring him back?
As the offseason unfolds, one thing is clear: Bellinger’s future is far from decided. And for Yankees fans, the question remains—is this the beginning of a new era, or the end of a missed opportunity? What do you think? Are the Yankees making the right move, or should they go all-in on Bellinger? Let us know in the comments!
