The New York Yankees might have to wait a while before Cody Bellinger makes his free agency decision. That’s what happens when you’re represented by Scott Boras.
Boras has built his reputation on getting players paid, and this winter seems no different. His strategy often involves waiting for the market to set itself before making moves.
That’s where Kyle Tucker comes in.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Bellinger’s timeline could be directly tied to what Tucker gets paid. The logic makes sense from Boras’s perspective.
“Those signings were just the appetizers for the rest of the position-player menu, because the biggest names remain available. Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette should see their markets begin to heat up, especially with few players on the trade market of their caliber. Tucker has already visited the Blue Jays, though the Yankees, Mets and Dodgers are lurking as potential suitors. Bellinger could wait until Tucker sets the market before making his decision.”
It’s a calculated move. If Tucker lands something north of $400 million, Boras will likely push for at least $225 million for Bellinger.
And honestly? The math isn’t unreasonable if Tucker’s deal reaches those heights.
The Yankees aren’t sitting idle while this plays out. They’re exploring other options, which is smart given the uncertainty around Bellinger’s timeline. But they’re also keeping tabs on how this market develops.
What makes this interesting is that multiple contenders are involved. The Blue Jays have already met with Tucker, while the Mets and Dodgers remain in the conversation. That competition drives prices up.
For now, it’s a waiting game. Boras knows that patience often pays off in these situations, especially when you’re dealing with elite talent in a thin market.
The Yankees have to decide how long they’re willing to wait and what their backup plans look like. But if Bellinger’s the guy they want, they might not have much choice but to let Boras work his timeline.
