Yankees Have Significant Competition For Cody Bellinger

By Patrick McAvoy

Contributing Sports Writer

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The New York Yankees would be wise to retain Cody Bellinger this offseason after a massive 2025 season.

Bellinger slashed .272/.334/.480 with an .813 OPS in 152 games played for New York. On top of this, Bellinger had 29 homers, 98 RBIs, 13 stolen bases, 25 doubles, five triples, and 89 runs scored. Bellinger added a level of flexibility New York needed. He saw time at all three outfield spots, first base, and designated hitter. With Juan Soto exiting the organization last offseason, Bellinger was acquired at the perfect time and helped to fill the hole.

New York isn't the only team that reportedly has interest in him, though. The Athletic's Jim Bowden pointed to the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets as two other options that are rumored to have interest in the two-time All-Star.

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"Bellinger, 30, has had an up-and-down career," Bowden wrote. "He was the (National League) Rookie of the Year in 2017 and then two years later won the league’s (Most Valuable Player). However, since 2020, his production has varied wildly from year to year. He had a strong first season in the Bronx in 2025 and the Yankees would love to retain him. They have the best shot to do just that unless they pivot and land this winter’s top free agent, Kyle Tucker, who is represented by Casey Close of Excel Sports Management.

"If Bellinger doesn’t return to the Yankees, there have been rumors that he’d be open to returning to the Dodgers — where he began his career — as well as rumblings that the Mets could pivot to him if they can’t bring Alonso back."

The Mets beat out the Yankees for a star outfielder last offseason, and it's tough to argue against the two-time reigning World Series champion Dodgers. If the Yankees want Bellinger, it sounds like they're going ot have to get aggressive.

More MLB: Cody Bellinger Report Could Be Bad News For Yankees Fans

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