One of the most coveted names on this winter’s free-agent market, Cody Bellinger, is prioritizing a multi-year commitment after a resurgent 2025 campaign with the New York Yankees.
The 2019 National League MVP posted a .272/.334/.480 slash line, launched 29 home runs, and delivered an .813 OPS across 152 games while providing Gold Glove-caliber defense in left field. Rather than exercise the final $25 million season of his previous contract, Bellinger elected free agency in exchange for a $5 million buyout.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has been unequivocal about the club’s desire to retain the 30-year-old slugger, recently declaring that the organization is “very interested” in keeping the former MVP in pinstripes.
While speculation has linked Bellinger to a possible reunion with the Los Angeles Dodgers or a move north to the Toronto Blue Jays, a familiar voice from the Yankees’ recent past believes the outfielder’s preference is clear.
“I know they want to bring back Bellinger, and I know Bellinger wants to be back with the Yankees,” Sean Casey, who served as New York’s hitting coach in the second half of 2023, said Wednesday on MLB Network.
“Obviously, it’s gonna take some money to do that, which the Yankees have. He is 100% percent still in play.”
The financial picture grew slightly more complicated Tuesday when center fielder Trent Grisham accepted the Yankees’ $22.05 million qualifying offer, a decision that ties up additional payroll and could constrain New York’s ability to chase other high-end targets—whether top-tier relief pitchers or an impact bat such as Houston’s Kyle Tucker.
Inside the organization, highly touted prospects Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones are both in line for significant playing time in 2026. Should Bellinger return on a long-term pact, one of the two young outfielders could be repurposed as trade currency to address other roster needs.
For now, all signs point to the Bronx as the landing spot Bellinger prefers—if the Yankees are willing to meet his asking price for the years ahead.
