Cody Bellinger and the New York Yankees are still in a staring contest, and there may be at least one key sticking point in negotiations.
The Yankees’ most recent offer to Bellinger’s camp is a multi-year contract featuring an average annual value of over $30 million per year, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reported on Thursday. However, Bellinger’s camp is continuing to push for a seven-year contract, Kuty adds.
Bellinger, the former NL MVP, is represented by agent Scott Boras. He will turn 31 years old in the summer, meaning that a seven-year contract would take Bellinger into his late 30s.
There is a fair argument for Bellinger to be worth that kind of commitment. He hit .272 last season with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs while also providing strong defense in the outfield.
But when you look at other player comps from this offseason, Bellinger’s stance makes a little bit less sense. Both Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber, two other elite power hitters, were only able to land five-year contracts (both at around the $30 million AAV figure).
The Yankees would obviously like to retain Bellinger after their successful partnership in 2025 but likely not on a seven-year contract commitment. If the two sides ultimately cannot make things work, the Yankees will have some outfield options elsewhere while the lefty hitter Bellinger himself may also have a few elite suitors to choose from.
