MLB.com is keeping track of the latest news and rumors surrounding Cody Bellinger.
Jan. 18: Could Tucker and Bichette's short-term deals impact Bellinger's market?
In light of Kyle Tucker landing a four-year, $240 million deal with the Dodgers and Bo Bichette getting a three-year, $126 million deal with the Mets, could Cody Bellinger be next in line to sign a short-term deal with a higher annual average value with opt-outs?
The Athletic's Brendan Kuty explored what Bellinger's market might look like in his latest report (subscription required), referencing the Tucker and Bichette deals and how it might impact him.
A return to the Yankees has always seemed quite likely and Kuty reports that the club has offered him a five-year deal worth as much as $160 million, with opt-outs after the second and third years. Considering that Tucker (opt-outs after the second and third years) and Bichette (opt-outs after the first two years) each have a series of opt-outs, it's plausible to expect that Bellinger could be next.
Of course, the Yankees aren't the only New York team interested in Bellinger. The Athletic's Will Sammon reported (subscription required) that the Mets still hold interest in Bellinger, even after the club agreed to a deal with Bichette. The Blue Jays and Phillies, two teams involved in the Tucker and Bichette sweepstakes, could also could pivot to Bellinger.
Jan. 16: Will Tucker, Bichette runners-up pivot to Bellinger?
Kyle Tucker has made his decision. The outfielder is joining the Dodgers on a four-year, $240 million deal, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand (the club has not confirmed.) The Blue Jays and Mets were the other two reported finalists for Tucker, who was widely considered to be the top free agent available this offseason.
The Mets, at least, had a prompt response, reportedly agreeing to terms with Bo Bichette on a three-year, $126 million deal early on Friday.
With both now off the board, the market for Bellinger could heat up, considering all three clubs pursuing Tucker -- all of whom were also in on Bichette -- have been linked to Bellinger. The Giants are another potential landing spot if Bellinger doesn’t re-sign with the Yankees.
The Bronx Bombers have been trying to bring Bellinger back, but the length of a potential deal has been a sticking point in contract talks. The Yankees reportedly offered a five-year deal worth around $155 million, but Bellinger is said to be seeking a seven-year contract.
The Mets in particular, speculated to be more motivated to go after Bellinger after losing Tucker, are unlikely to see Bichette's contract as an obstacle to adding another big bat. With Bichette likely to take over at third base, they still have a clear need in the outfield, but pitching may now be a greater priority.
Jan. 13: Yankees enhance offer to Bellinger (report)
The Yankees aren't closing the door on a reunion with Bellinger just yet. According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the Bronx Bombers continue to negotiate with the outfielder and have enhanced their latest offer in an attempt to bridge the gap between the two sides.
As Heyman previously reported, the length of a potential deal has been a sticking point in contract talks. The Yankees reportedly offered a five-year deal worth around $155 million, but Bellinger is said to be seeking a seven-year contract.
If Bellinger doesn't end up returning to the Bronx, Heyman mentioned the Dodgers, Giants, Mets, Cubs and Blue Jays as other potential suitors for the outfielder.
Jan. 10: Yankees 'under the assumption' that Bellinger will sign elsewhere (report)
With reports in recent days that the Yankees and Bellinger were not able to line up on a contract proposal agreeable to both sides, ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Yankees are now "operating under the assumption" that Bellinger will not re-sign with them this offseason. Olney added that the Yankees are considering options on the trade market.
Bellinger's other potential suitors include former teams for which he played -- the Dodgers and Cubs.
Jan. 8: Yankees reportedly facing gap in negotiations with Bellinger
The Yankees have exchanged multiple contract proposals with Bellinger, but a gap remains between the two sides, reports MLB Network insider Jon Heyman in an article for the New York Post (subscription required). The Athletic's Brendan Kuty (subscription required) reported something similar on Wednesday, writing that the Yankees still didn't "appear close to reaching an agreement on a new contract."
Jan. 4: Yankees extend Bellinger second contract offer (report)
Nothing has been settled in the race to sign Bellinger, but according to a Sunday report from Joel Sherman in the New York Post (subscription required), the Yankees recently made the veteran outfielder a second offer, perhaps in an effort to narrow the playing field that was also said to include the Cubs, Dodgers, Giants and Mets. More >
Jan. 1: Will Bellinger sweepstakes come down to New York vs. New York?
The Yankees have said all offseason long that re-signing Bellinger is their top priority. But if that doesn't come to pass, Bellinger might end up just heading across town.
MLB Network insider Jon Heyman writes in the New York Post (subscription required) that it would "be a surprise if Bellinger doesn’t remain in New York" with either the Yanks or the Mets. Beyond those clubs, the Dodgers and Giants have also been linked to him.