The New York Yankees may already be preparing for life without Cody Bellinger, and honestly, to me, that might be the right call.
Contract talks between the Yankees and Bellinger have gotten nowhere, and it doesn’t sound like this is a small disagreement in price and years.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the two sides are at a standstill, and the organization is seemingly OK with allowing him to walk.
“Contract negotiations between the New York Yankees and Cody Bellinger are at an impasse, league sources tell ESPN.
“The Yankees were hoping to re-sign the veteran outfielder, who played well for them last season, but are now operating under the assumption that Bellinger is going to sign elsewhere. New York is now seeking additions elsewhere, sources added,” he wrote.
If the Yankees start moving under the impression that a player is gone, it usually means there’s something to be said.
Bellinger was good in New York. He gave the Yankees defensive versatility, pop from the left side, and stretches where he looked like a middle-of-the-order threat again.
However, that version of Bellinger also came with long cold spells, poor playoff showings, and the reality that his MVP type of play was a long-time ago.
That’s where this turns into a broader conversation about value and why I’d let him walk.
If Bellinger is truly seeking a long-term deal at top-of-the-market money, something in the neighborhood of seven years and $35-plus million AAV, the Yankees should absolutely let him walk.
That type of commitment doesn’t align with his recent production, age, or market value.
The Yankees already have massive money tied up with aging stars, and locking into another expensive, multi-year deal with injury risk only creates more of an issue.
On the flip side, letting Bellinger walk can’t mean punting on contention. It should mean using those assets elsewhere for either better players or more who can fill that gap.
Given that his contract demands are what’s holding this up, the Yankees should call it a day and move on. If he gets what he’s looking for, just tip your cap. He’s good, but not neary $35 million AAV good.