The New York Yankees are facing a decision that could determine their immediate competitiveness. Cody Bellinger, a key player due to his power, defensive versatility and balance in the lineup, has yet to secure his continuity while the team remains firm in negotiationsBrian Cashman has offered around $150 million over five years, but the player wants a deal of at least seven seasons and $200 million. Meanwhile, criticism is growing, especially as Aaron Judge has been one of his main defenders.
Judge needs real protection
The sporting logic is clear: a hitter of Bellinger’s calibre behind Judge radically changes the way pitchers face the Yankees captain. It’s not so easy to walk him or avoid the direct duel
The immediate threat of the left-hander forces competition, and that empowers the entire lineup. Analysts such as Dani Wexelman have been clear: New York cannot afford to neglect Judge’s offensive environment if it is to be taken seriously.
Bellinger’s best version reappeared
The sporting argument is also backed up by statistics. In 2025, he posted a 5.1 WAR, his best figure since his MVP season in 2019.
He hit 29 home runs and drove in 98 runs, numbers that reveal a rejuvenated and still decisive player at 30 years of age. Bellinger not only provides power, but also consistency and the ability to make an impact in key moments.
The Yankees’ economic dilemma
But the Bronx is also weighed down by history. DJ LeMahieu’s contract, which ended up being a sporting and financial problem, left a scar. New York does not want to commit again in the long term to a player who may go into decline
That is the real internal battle: the balance between investment and risk. Spencer Jones and Jasson Dominguez appear as young, less expensive alternatives with projection, although still without the immediate reliability of Bellinger.
A stalemate that defines the future
Today, the Yankees are still favorites to keep him, mainly because his market did not explode as expected. However, the negotiation is at a critical point: either New York gives in and bets big, or it decides to hold its project on young talent and salary discipline.
The only clear thing is that if Bellinger returns, the team’s attack would change dimension. If not, the Yankees will have to accept the sporting consequences of letting go of the piece that best complements Aaron Judge.
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