Cody Bellinger: The path opens up for the Yankees

Recently, several former Yankees have gone on to wear Mets colors. Juan Soto, Carlos Mendoza, Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, and Clay Holmes are just a few examples.

All indications were that Steve Cohen wanted Cody Bellinger to be next. But in the meantime, the signing of Bo Bichette has changed things around town.

The Mets don't have a lineup to match expectations (or the club's salary envelope), and let's just say Steve Cohen wanted to strike a blow for improving his team.

That's why giving Bo Bichette $42 million a year isn't completely surprising. It is a little, but not that much.

It was to be expected that Scott Boras would make the Cohens and Steinbrenners dance for the services of Cody Bellinger. But the Mets don't need him as much right now… so we turn our eyes to the Yankees.

Fear has been building in the Bronx between the signing of Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette, because the Yankees are reportedly ready to add outfield options to their offer for Bellinger.

Per @JonHeyman, the Yankees are willing to add two opt-outs to Cody Bellinger's contract offer.

The Yankees would also include “a big signing bonus” and no deferrals in the contract. pic.twitter.com/nxA7J0z499

– Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) January 16, 2026

Boras saw Kyle Tucker drive up the price last night, which will also allow the agent to transform the deal for Bellinger. And today, the Mets upped the ante with Bellinger.

An outfielder like Bellinger, there aren't 1,000 of those on the market either. And the Yankees know that. The Blue Jays probably know it too.

Cody Bellinger must be happy that Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, and Alex Bregman signed contracts to their liking. After all, right now, all eyes are on the former Dodgers, Cubs, and Yankees.

Finally, it's worth noting that the New York clubs could potentially clash over Bellinger, but that their big fight may be more about Freddy Peralta.

The Mets and Yankees have reportedly checked in on Freddy Peralta as the belief that the Brewers will trade their ace grows https://t.co/7b7JfjvuxU pic.twitter.com/uc0y09EPtn

– SNY (@SNYtv) January 16, 2026

This content was created with the help of AI.