MLB

Cody Bellinger’s latest free agency buzz: Mets ‘still interested’ in signing outfielder, would prefer short-term deal

ballervisions 2026年1月19日

Here’s the latest news and buzz surrounding the free agent outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger and his chances of returning to New York with The Yankees or The Mets…

Jan. 18, 4:45 p.m

The Mets are “still interested in signing Bellinger,” reports The Athletic’s Will Sammon. And after signing Bo Bichette On Friday, the team would like to “find him in another temporary arrangement.”

New York signed Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract. Earlier it was reported that Bellinger wanted a seven-year contract.

The Mets are still looking for “a versatile outfielder who can handle center field and support the bullpen,” according to Sammon, a description that fits Bellinger.

Sammon notes that Bellinger’s interest in a shorter deal is unknown.

Jan. 18, 3:55 p.m

The Yankees have reportedly made an internal decision not to enter a bidding war for Bellinger if another team, such as the Mets, offers a higher price, according to Bob Klapisch of The Star-Ledger.

New York has offered the star what it believes is a “fair offer” — a five-year, $160 million deal with two opt-outs, Klapisch reports. He notes that they are willing to let Bellinger leave in free agency if he gets a big contract.

Jon Heyman of the NY Post reported on Jan. 15 that the Yanks were willing to add multiple outing picks to their bid. Since then, New York appears to have upped that offer by an additional $5 million.

Jan. 15, 11:02 p.m

As the Yankees and Bellinger continue to negotiate, Jon Heyman of the NY Post reports that the Bombers are willing to add multiple outing picks to their latest offer.

New York added one out, in what was a tweak to their latest offer and now they will add a second to make it easier to make a deal with a free agent outfielder.

The Yankees offered Bellinger a five-year, $155 million contract, which he still holds for seven years.

Jan. 13, 8:25 am

The Yankees modified their latest offer to Bellinger by adding an exit and signing bonus, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Additionally, the amended offer does not contain a waiver.

Heyman reported Monday that the Yanks and Bellinger “talked over the weekend,” though there’s still a gap about what New York has to offer and what Bellinger wants.

ESPN’s Buster Olney reported Saturday that talks between Bellinger and the Yankees were “contentious.”

According to many reports, the Yankees’ offer to Bellinger is for five years and is estimated at $150 million, while Bellinger wants a seven-year contract.

In addition to the Yankees, the Mets and Dodgers have been linked to Bellinger.

Heyman reports that free agent Kyle Tucker is among the alternatives the Yanks are considering, noting that they are “on the edge.” The three teams most linked to Tucker have been the Blue Jays, Mets, and Dodgers.

Jan. 10, 6:33 p.m

Contract talks between the Yankees and Bellinger are currently being described as contentious and New York is reportedly now operating under the assumption that the outfielder will sign elsewhere, ESPN’s Buster Olney reports.

The Yanks’ latest offer to Bellinger for a five-year contract worth at least $30 million a year is a far cry from what Bellinger and his camp, including his agent Scott Boras, reportedly wanted for a seven-year contract with an AAV of more than $30 million.

With the two sides unable to reach an agreement, Olney reports that New York now wants to be added elsewhere and barring a change in negotiations, Bellinger’s time with the Yankees is likely over.

New York could shift its focus to other potential targets such as Kyle Tucker again Bo Bichetteboth of whom had been on the Yankees’ radar this offseason and continued discussions with the organization during Bellinger’s negotiations.

The Yankees continue to engage other teams in trade opportunities.

Jan. 8, 9:02 p.m

Despite the gap between Bellinger and the Yankees, the latest report sheds light on how willing New York is to move with the outfielder.

According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, the Yankees’ latest multi-year deal has an average annual value of more than $30 million per year. However, the report says that Bellingers’ camp continues to seek a seven-year contract.

If Bellinger were to accept the $30 million deal plus AAV, it would make him the fifth-highest paid outfielder in baseball. Juan Soto ($51 million), Aaron is the judge ($40 million), Mike Trout ($35.5 million) and Mookie Betts ($30.4 million) others.

The 30-year-old/first baseman had a great season in his first year in The Bronx, and the Yankees have made re-signing Bellinger a priority this offseason.

Other teams that have been linked to Bellinger this offseason include the Cubs, Dodgers and Mets.

Jan. 6, 1:13 p.m

“There’s a clear gap” between Bellinger and the Yankees, YES’ Jack Curry reported Monday during an appearance on the. Yankees Hot Stove.

According to multiple reports, Bellinger wanted a six- or seven-year contract.

In addition to the Yankees, the Mets have been heavily linked to Bellinger.

Bellinger’s ability to play all three outfield positions and first base is impressive, and sets him apart from other free agents. Kyle Tucker.

However, Bellinger’s career OPS+ of 120 falls short of Tucker’s career OPS+ of 140.

Over the last three seasons, Tucker has an .892 OPS (150 OPS+), while Bellinger’s is .815 (125 OPS+).

January 4, 7:09 pm

After making an offer to the outfielder earlier this week, the Yankees have reportedly made a second offer to the 30-year-old, according to Joel Sherman of the NY Post.

The offer comes after news that New York wants a starting pitcher Edward Cabrera in a possible trade with the Miami Marlins, which is linked to the Yankees’ offer to Bellinger because if they stay in New York he might play left field, on the side. Aaron is the judge right again Trent Grisham in the middle of nowhere.

With that outfield configuration, the Yanks can trade a player like an OF Jason Dominguez on a team, like the Marlins, in a different area of need as starting pitching, though Sherman writes that that’s just speculation.

However, it helps that both parties have been trading partners in the past which shows willingness on both sides for a possible deal to be made.

January 2, 5:22 pm

As the season progresses, it appears the Yankees made an offer to Bellinger earlier this week, according to the NY Post’s Jon Heyman.

It’s no surprise the Yankees did so, as Bellinger is the team’s No. 1 target this offseason, but Heyman added that with the two sides battling it out every week, the Mets won’t be dismissed.

Other teams that have been linked to Bellinger are the Dodgers, where the outfielder started his career, and the Giants. Heyman also added the Blue Jays as a possible destination if Toronto doesn’t come through Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette.

Dec. 26, 9:50 am

Although the holiday season has lowered the temperature of the hot stove, it appears that the Yankees are hoping for a re-signing. Cody Bellinger stay high enough.

Reuniting with the midfielder remains a priority in the Bronx, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, and the club feels “very confident” it won’t move states to get a deal in Queens.

The pursuit of Bellinger is also endorsed by the Yankees captain. Heyman reports Aaron is the judge is a “big advocate” of a long-term commitment with the former MVP, who hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI as a one-year lease in pinstripes last season.

It’s not clear when Bellinger will hit the free agent market, but due to the high demand for championship contenders, some estimates have him earning around $30 million per year on a six-year contract. The Yankees may have to make a splash in the pot to convince him to stay.

December 14, 7:35 pm

Although reports have indicated that the San Francisco Giants “do not expect to make the nine-figure investment” required to sign free agents this offseason, they are not completely out of the market.

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reported recently that the Giants are “in” Cody Bellingerthe Yankees’ No. 1 target. 1.

Bellinger proved to be a big part of last season for the Yanks, contributing well on both sides of the ball with 29 home runs, 98 RBI, and a slash line of .272/.334/.480 for an .813 OPS (125 OPS+ and wRC+) while ranking 93rd with a 12 earned run average.

Dec. 4, 11:42 am

While some suitors are certainly in the middleCody Bellinger remains the Yankees’ No. 1 prospect, and the club is making a “huge effort” to bring him back, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Heyman lists the Mets, Phillies, Angels, and Dodgers as other possibilities.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan previously reported that signing Bellinger would be a “separate move” for the Yankees, as the club would likely need to get rid of one of its outfielders — a possibility. Jason Dominguez or future hope Spencer Jones.

With Trent Grisham accepting a qualifying offer, the Yanks would have plenty of outfielders if Bellinger were to re-sign.