MLB.com tracks the latest news and rumors surrounding Cody Bellinger.
Jan. 15: Will Tucker’s runner-up bounce back from Bellinger?
Kyle Tucker made his decision. The pitcher is joining the Dodgers on a four-year, $240 million contract, a source told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The team has not yet confirmed. The Blue Jays and Mets were the other two reported finalists for Tucker, who was widely considered the top free agent available this offseason.
With Tucker off the board, the market for Bellinger could intensify, considering all three clubs pursuing Tucker have also been linked to Bellinger. The Giants are another possible destination if Bellinger doesn’t re-sign with the Yankees.
The Bronx Bombers have been trying to bring Bellinger back, but the length of the deal could be a sticking point in contract negotiations. The Yankees have reportedly offered a five-year contract worth around $155 million, but Bellinger is said to want a seven-year deal.
The Mets in particular would be highly motivated to pursue Bellinger. They have a clear need on the field, and missing Tucker further increases the pressure they were already under to make a big splash following the departures of several longtime players.
Jan. 13: Yankees extend offer to Bellinger (report)
The Yankees haven’t closed the door on reuniting with Bellinger just yet. According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the Bronx Bombers are continuing to negotiate with the outfielder and have updated their latest offer in an effort to close the gap between the two sides.
As Heyman previously reported, the length of the potential deal is a sticking point in contract negotiations. The Yankees have reportedly offered a five-year contract worth around $155 million, but Bellinger is said to want a seven-year deal.
If Bellinger doesn’t end up going back to the Bronx, Heyman mentioned the Dodgers, Giants, Mets, Cubs and Blue Jays as other potential suitors for the outfielder.
Jan. 10: Yankees ‘under the impression’ Bellinger will sign elsewhere (report)
With recent reports that the Yankees and Bellinger have been unable to come to terms on a mutually agreeable contract offer, ESPN’s Buster Olney reports that the Yankees are now “operating under the assumption” that Bellinger will not re-sign with them this season.
The implications are significant if New York finds itself on the outside of efforts to keep Bellinger. The Yanks were also rumored to be “seriously looking” at free agent Bo Bichette because of their inability to re-sign Bellinger. Olney added in his report that the Yankees are also considering options on the trade market.
Bellinger’s other potential saviors include former teams he played for – the Dodgers and Cubs.
January 8: It is reported that the Yankees are facing a breakdown in negotiations with Bellinger
The Yankees have exchanged multiple contract offers with Bellinger, but a gap remains between the two sides, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports in a New York Post article (subscription required). Brendan Kuty of The Athletic (subscription required) reported the same on Wednesday, writing that the Yankees “do not appear close to reaching an agreement on a new contract.”
Because of this, New York is “very interested” in Bo Bichette, according to Heyman. Meanwhile, Bellinger is receiving interest from his old Dodgers and Cubs teams. Los Angeles and Chicago are also among the clubs competing with the Yankees for Bichette.
January 4: Yankees extend Bellinger’s second contract (report)
Nothing is settled in the race to sign Bellinger, but according to a report Sunday from Joel Sherman of the New York Post (subscription required), the Yankees recently offered the veteran a second offer, perhaps in an effort to narrow the field that was said to include the Cubs, Dodgers, Giants and Mets. More >
Jan. 1: Will the Bellinger sweepstakes go down in New York vs. New York?
The Yankees have said all offseason that re-signing Bellinger is their top priority. But if that doesn’t happen, Bellinger may end up crossing town.
MLB Network insider Jon Heyman writes in the New York Post (subscription required) that “it would be a surprise if Bellinger didn’t stay in New York” with the Yanks or Mets. Besides those clubs, the Dodgers and Giants have also been linked to him.
