Cody Bellinger: “The Yankees assume he’s gone.”

Cody Bellinger is THE Yankees' priority this winter.

The club has reportedly made two offers to the outfielder, including one for at least $30 million over several years – potentially five. That's in line with what the Kyle Schwarbers and Pete Alonsos of this world have received.

Bellinger, who wants to stay in the Bronx, would like a seven-year contract at over $35 million per season. Scott Boras is his agent.

One might think that it's the discrepancy between the club's offers and the player's demands that has Buster Olney saying that the Yankees are currently working on the assumption that the outfielder will sign elsewhere.

Olney saying the Yankees now assume Bellinger is signing elsewhere and remain taking to Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette. pic.twitter.com/8kZTe2EmnD

– Stats (@redsoxstats) January 10, 2026

So the Yankees look elsewhere for improvement.

Please note: this is not to say that the Bombardiers won't retain their player. However, right now, the club seems to believe that Bellinger won't be back in the Bronx.

Unless Kyle Tucker starts hitting right-handed (a crying need with the Yankees) and is willing to accept a contract that Bellinger didn't want, I can't see the former Astros signing with the Yankees.

I think Bo Bichette will clearly be on the Yankees' radar. And that's despite the fact that he really seems to have chemistry with the Phillies these days.

“Phillies players were texting Bichette about the possibility last weekend, when Bichette was celebrating his wedding .” https://t.co/1TvwN8TbLu

– Brandon Wile (@Brandon_N_Wile) January 10, 2026

In any case, seeing Bellinger potentially leave the Yankees could be good for the Blue Jays. I'm not saying that because he could sign there (although we agree that if he wants a long-term deal, Toronto is a good choice) as a free agent.

So why do I say this?

Because right now, the Dodgers (if he wants to sign short term and win) and the Mets, two teams that are battling with the Blue Jays for Tucker, seem to have a leg up on Bellinger. I could see Steve Cohen signing Bellinger long-term…

If Bellinger signs with the Dodgers or Mets, it will help the Blue Jays' cause for Tucker, right?

• What's the deal for Luis Arraez?

New for @YahooSports, on the curious case of Luis Arráez, who we have heard essentially zero buzz about all offseason long but remains by far one of the most fascinating free agents still available:https://t.co/msPwT506wN

– Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) January 9, 2026

• Willson Contreras, Red Sox fourth hitter.

Alex Cora views Wilson Contreras as the cleanup hitter

– Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) January 10, 2026

• The Red Sox never wanted to trade an outfielder at any cost. At least that's what's being said publicly.

Craig Breslow told media today it was “Never Likely” in his view, that the Red Sox would trade from their outfield surplus this offseason.
Via @timbhealey pic.twitter.com/VsjLfof7RA

– Matthew Crory (@matthewcrory) January 10, 2026

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