The New York Yankees have made it clear that re-signing Cody Bellinger is their top offseason priority, but doing so will not be easy. In a free-agent market that is short on high-end outfield talent, Bellinger stands out as the most complete option available, and that has drawn strong interest from across the league. According to his agent, Scott Boras, multiple teams are lining up, which sets the stage for a highly competitive offseason decision.
- Cody Bellinger is the Yankees’ top offseason target, but at least seven other teams are also pursuing him.
- Agent Scott Boras confirmed wide league interest using his trademark wordplay at the winter meetings.
- While the Yankees want Bellinger back, they are unlikely to repeat the type of bidding war they entered for Juan Soto last offseason
Scott Boras Confirms Widespread Interest Using His Trademark Wordplay
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday morning, Boras used a series of direct clues to identify the clubs involved without naming them outright. His wordplay referenced the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Phillies, Giants, Blue Jays, Angels, and Reds. “It’s not for me to JUDGE, but great players see RED if they lose, that they have a big bat YANKED out of their lineup,” Boras said. He continued with additional hints: “I haven’t MET a team that DODGES a five-tool player. To PHIL the center field need is a GIANT step towards the playoffs… there’s a lot of ANGEL investors looking for very versatile outfielders.”
Shortly after arriving in Orlando on Sunday night, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed that he had already spoken with Boras several times regarding Bellinger. “Cody Bellinger would be a great fit for us,” Cashman said, describing him as a talented player who can play multiple positions and hit all types of pitching.
Manager Aaron Boone added on Monday that Bellinger contributed both on and off the field. “Obviously, what Cody brought to us last year in so many ways… who he was in the room, his performance between the lines on both sides of the ball, his athleticism, his versatility, who wouldn’t want a player like that?”
Bellinger delivered a strong 2025 season after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs. He hit .272 with 29 home runs, 25 doubles, 98 RBIs, and 98 runs scored, while playing all three outfield positions and first base. His performance helped the Yankees finish 94–68, tied with the Toronto Blue Jays for the best record in the American League.
Feels like yesterday when Cody Bellinger burst onto the scene and took over L.A. in 2017.
.267 AVG
.933 OPS
39 HR
97 RBI
143 OPS+
138 wRC+
Allstar
Rookie of the YearYou can’t help but miss having him in Dodger blue. pic.twitter.com/GL0IBCj9MH
— SleeperDodgers (@SleeperDodgers) December 9, 2025
Sportsbooks Shift Odds Amid Bellinger Uncertainty
As teams began contacting Boras, sportsbooks adjusted their early 2026 futures boards. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, PointsBet, and Caesars consistently opened the Los Angeles Dodgers as favorites following their second straight World Series title, with odds generally placed between +340 and +370. The Yankees appeared immediately behind them, ranging from +700 to +850 depending on the sportsbook.
Oddsmakers also positioned the Yankees as the early American League favorites, listing them around +310 to +320 to win the AL pennant. These lines reflect Bellinger’s impact on both offense and defense and the role he played in last season’s 94–68 finish.
Bellinger’s decision to opt out of his $25 million option created further pricing movement. Some books posted “next team” odds that listed the Yankees as the early favorite, with the Dodgers, Mets, and Blue Jays close behind — the same clubs implied in Boras’ remarks. His individual futures adjusted as well, with at least one sportsbook placing him at +3000 in early MVP odds.
Yankees’ Strategy and Backup Options
Despite their interest, the Yankees are not planning to enter an unrestricted bidding battle. SNY’s Andy Martino explained that “this isn’t a Juan Soto thing where they’re just going to keep bidding and bidding and bidding.” Last offseason, the Yankees pursued Soto aggressively, bidding upwards of $760 million before he signed a 14-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets.
Payroll has also been a subject of discussion after the Yankees spent $319 million last season, though Boras said he has not been told that spending is being limited. “I don’t think when Cash or Randy call me, they talk about limiting payroll,” Boras said. “They talk about acquiring players.”
If the Yankees are outbid, they do have alternatives. One option is shifting attention to Kyle Tucker, a 28-year-old outfielder the Yankees tried to trade for last winter before the Astros sent him to the Cubs in a deal that ultimately brought Bellinger to New York. Trade options remain on the table as well.
If no external move is made, Jasson Dominguez could enter spring training as the frontrunner to start in left field. The 22-year-old struggled with the position last season but would be given another opportunity. Top prospect Spencer Jones would also be part of that competition, though Dominguez would have the early edge.
Still, none of those options match Bellinger’s complete package. He remains the Yankees’ best and most desired solution, and his future will likely come down to how much New York is willing to spend compared to a growing list of rivals ready to compete for his signature.
