Yankees analyst sets $140M price tag for All-Star free agent

After a disappointing 2025 season, the New York Yankees have their work cut out for them this winter. The organization has been linked with a number of top free agents, one of them being Cody Bellinger.

On Friday's episode of "Fireside Yankees," analyst Ryan Garcia spoke about how much he believes Bellinger should cost, and how the Bronx Bombers should go about his acquisition.

"I think financially, a fair offer (would be) where you're giving in a little bit to the player, but you're also not overextending yourself is a five-year deal, at around $140 million," Garcia said (Timestamp: 7:09). "It's a little bit better than what FanGraphs projects, which is a five-year, $135 million deal. But it is below what ESPN, The Athletic, Spotrac, projected for Bellinger, because I simply do not believe it's going to have to go to a seventh year without an aggressive push from another team. "Now, if another team makes an aggressive push and offers him a seven-year contract, I believe you should let Cody Bellinger go. I simply do not believe the New York Yankees are in a good position if they sign Cody Bellinger on a seven-year contract. Could they win baseball games in 2026? Yes. But do I think you compromise the long-term future of this roster? Do I think you're offering a clearly underwater contract and a deal that maybe takes you out of any other future free agent pursuits of significant consequence? Yes."

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Insider claims Cody Bellinger is a "perfect fit" for the Yankees

As they look to bolster their outfield, the Bronx Bombers have been heavily linked with both Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker.

According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, while Tucker may be the better player overall, Bellinger is the better fit for New York.

"There has been debate among certain segments of the fanbase, is Tucker a better fit than Cody Bellinger?" Rosenthal said on Dec. 1's episode of Foul Territory (Timestamp: 11:40). "It seems to me the Yankees are more inclined to sign Bellinger. "He's a guy who's had an up-and-down career, but lately, back on the upswing. Cody Bellinger is, in many ways, a perfect fit for the Yankees. Now, he is not the better player. Kyle Tucker is the better player."

Cody Bellinger - Source: Getty

After putting in an impressive showing in the Pinstripes in 2025, Cody Bellinger is already a fan favorite in the Bronx.

Edited by Raghav Mehta