Yankees predicted to sign $180M Gold Glove winner, NL MVP, World Series champion, Silver Slugger

Last offseason, the New York Yankees lost Juan Soto to crosstown rival, the New York Mets. This offseason, a similar scenario could happen if they’re not careful. Cody Bellinger has yet to sign a contract, and his decision is reportedly coming down to three major-market teams: the Mets, Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

“The market for Cody Bellinger is robust with the most likely result that he signs with a big market, contending team as expected with the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers the most likely landing spots for him at this point in that order,” The Athletic’s Jim Bowden posted.

This offseason has been an interesting one for Bellinger as he navigates exactly where he wants to go. No matter where he ends up, he is expected to receive a hefty contract, especially with Scott Boras as his agent.

“ESPN's Kiley McDaniel initially projected Bellinger would get a six-year, $165 million contract. But now the ballpark numbers are six years and $180 million. Bellinger's price tag started to move after the Philadelphia Phillies re-signed designated hitter Kyle Schwarber for five years and $150 million, and the Baltimore Orioles landed former New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso for five years and $155 million,” SI’s Michael Rosenstein wrote.

CBS Sports’ RJ Anderson believes there’s no reason for Bellinger to leave the Bronx. He is presumed to be safely locked up for the Yankees.

“There's no reason to overthink this one either. Bellinger's game is a perfect fit for Yankee Stadium and he's coming off a great year with New York. Past reporting suggests the Yankees view the aforementioned Tucker as a fallback plan, making it all the more likely that Bellinger returns to the Bronx,” Anderson wrote.

Getting Bellinger back would be huge for the Yankees, setting them up nicely for a run at the AL East title. The division is stacked, with the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays all poised as playoff-caliber teams.

The Yankees struggled with health last season, so maintaining a healthy roster will be a top priority in 2026. Bringing Bellinger back adds versatility and restores a key constant to the lineup.

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