The New York Yankees entered the offseason without the major acquisitions that fans anticipated, yet recent developments suggest a potential shift in their approach.

Throughout the winter, the team has shown strong interest in bringing back outfielder Cody Bellinger, who delivered a solid performance during his time in pinstripes last year.

Reports indicate that the Yankees extended multiple contract proposals to Bellinger recently. Jon Heyman of the New York Post noted an initial formal proposal earlier in the week, followed by a second one reported by colleague Joel Sherman.

In a segment on SNY, postgame analyst Emmanuel Berbari shared insights into the status of these discussions.

“The latest on Bellinger is that the Yankees are still the frontrunners,” Berbari said. “Their offer has stayed consistent over recent times. Five years, they’re comfortable going five years for Cody Bellinger, and they’ve remained at five years. Will another team swoop in and go six or seven, and force the Yankees’ hand to up the offer? So far, that hasn’t happened, but the Yankees are not going to bet against themselves.”

Berbari emphasized that reliable sources confirm the Yankees’ commitment to a five-year term, avoiding any escalation based solely on competition.

Details on the financial aspects, such as annual salary, remain unclear, with no specific limits publicly disclosed by the organization.

Market projections from Spotrac estimate Bellinger’s value around a six-year pact worth approximately $180 million.

Bellinger stands out for his defensive prowess across the outfield and his power at the plate, having launched 29 homers while contributing significantly to the Yankees’ lineup in the previous season.

As negotiations continue, the Yankees appear positioned as the leading contender, though the possibility of rival bids extending beyond five years lingers.