One of the biggest storylines in MLB free agency is Cody Bellinger and the New York Yankees being at an impasse in contract negotiations.
The Yankees have been trying to re-sign the 2019 National League MVP since the start of the offseason but the two sides remain far apart on years and dollars.
Multiple reports have suggested that the Yankees offered Bellinger a five-year contract with an average annual salary of more than $30 million.
The two-time All-Star has not accepted to this point as he is continuing to hold out for a seven-year deal, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
The Yankees and free agent Cody Bellinger’s stare-down continues with one month before spring training:
The Yankees have offered a 5-year contract between $155-$160 million without deferrals.
Bellinger is seeking at least a 7-year deal.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 12, 2026
Bellinger’s insistence of receiving seven years could explain why he remains unsigned with roughly a month until the start of Spring Training.
Only one free agent has landed such a deal this offseason, with Dylan Cease getting $210 million over seven years from the Toronto Blue Jays.
Bellinger is represented by Scott Boras, who just helped Alex Bregman secure a five-year, $175 million contract from the Chicago Cubs.
Bellinger became a free agent after declining his $25 million player option for the 2026 season. He was widely expected to work out a new deal with the Yankees, but that no longer appears to be a likely outcome unless one of the sides budges.
Could Dodgers sign Cody Bellinger?
Bellinger’s original team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, are believed to have interest in a potential reunion with the 30-year-old, but only if he is willing to accept a short-term contract.
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