All eyes across Major League Baseball remain fixed on Cody Bellinger as the New York Yankees attempt to secure his long-term future.
The former National League MVP sits near the top of a competitive free-agent market, and while the Yankees are eager to bring him back, they are far from alone.
Still, there is growing optimism within the organization that this negotiation will not turn into another painful exit similar to Juan Soto‘s departure.
Bellinger’s value to New York extends beyond raw production. His defensive versatility, ability to handle multiple positions, and left-handed bat fit seamlessly into the roster construction the Yankees envision heading into 2026.
That belief is shared by one of the most influential voices in the clubhouse in Aaron Judge. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Judge has made his support for re-signing Bellinger clear.
“Kyle Tucker is the No. 1 free agent, but Bellinger’s versatility works better for the New York teams. (His price tag is lower, too.),” Heyman wrote.
He added: “The Yankees have made him their priority and seem pretty confident that, unlike superstar Juan Soto, he won’t skip to Queens.
“Aaron Judge is said to be a big advocate for re-signing Bellinger. The Giants and Bellinger’s old Dodgers team also are interested.”
That endorsement matters. When Judge publicly or privately backs a move, it signals both competitive urgency and clubhouse alignment, two factors that often weigh heavily in free-agent decisions.
Bellinger’s market takes shape
Despite the positive internal belief, the Yankees are navigating a crowded and aggressive marketplace. Bellinger opted out of a three-year, $80 million contract, a decision that positioned him for a significantly larger payday.
According to Spotrac, his projected market value sits at a six-year, $182 million deal – a sizable investment, but one the Yankees are prepared to consider.
Even at that figure, Bellinger is widely viewed as a more cost-efficient option than pursuing a higher-priced star like Kyle Tucker of the Chicago Cubs.
That financial flexibility, combined with positional versatility, has made Bellinger a priority target rather than a fallback plan.
Still, threats loom. The New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers have both been linked to Bellinger, and each offers a big-market platform with postseason aspirations.
Several options on the table
According to Jim Bowden of the Athletic, the market for Cody Bellinger “is robust with the most likely result that he signs with a big market”.
Judge added that the most contending teams as expected are the Yankees, Mets and Dodgers “in that order”.
For New York, retaining Bellinger would represent stability and continuity at a time when roster balance is critical.
Losing him would force the front office to pivot quickly, likely toward less versatile or more expensive alternatives.
As free agency unfolds, Aaron Judge‘s advocacy reflects more than personal preference. It signals a belief that Bellinger remains central to the Yankees‘ pursuit of sustained contention.
Whether that support ultimately helps keep him in pinstripes will be one of the defining storylines of the offseason.
Read the full article here
