The Yankees fell to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS, watching the Blue Jays eventually lose a seven-game World Series to the Dodgers. With baseball’s most expensive roster capturing the championship, New York can’t afford to stand still this winter.
The Yankees need a busy offseason if they want to compete with the sport’s elite teams. That means trading for someone like Tarik Skubal or making moves in free agency.
A smart place to start? Bringing back Cody Bellinger, who opted out of his Yankees contract. The 30-year-old outfielder is now a free agent, but he’s sending encouraging signals about staying in pinstripes.
“Cody Bellinger said he would ‘absolutely’ be open to another season with the Yankees, saying that he had ‘an unbelievable time putting on this uniform.'”
That comes from Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, who caught up with Bellinger about his future plans.
The Money Question
Here’s the thing – Bellinger walked away from a $25 million salary for 2026 when he opted out. The Yankees will need to beat that number significantly, likely with a longer-term deal worth considerably more money.
But there’s good reason to pay up. Bellinger posted a .272 batting average with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and an .813 OPS in his first season in New York. He also swiped 13 bases and provided solid defense in the outfield.
Those aren’t just good numbers – they made him one of the Yankees’ better hitters in 2025.
Why It Makes Sense
The Yankees already lost Trent Grisham to free agency. Losing both outfielders would create a massive hole in the roster.
Bellinger’s return solves multiple problems. He anchors the outfield and gives the Yankees flexibility at first base when needed. That kind of versatility matters over a long season.
For a team trying to maximize Aaron Judge’s championship window, letting Bellinger walk would be a significant blow. The front office knows it, which is why they’re interested in bringing him back.
The pieces are aligning nicely. Bellinger wants to return, Brian Cashman and the Yankees want to keep him, and both sides had a positive experience in 2025.
Now it’s just about working out the contract details. Given Bellinger’s production and the current free agent market, that’s going to mean a substantial commitment from the Yankees. But for a team that needs to keep pace with the Dodgers and other big spenders, it might be exactly the kind of move they can’t afford not to make.
