The New York Yankees are making it clear they want Cody Bellinger back, but they are not alone. Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, hinted at the MLB winter meetings that up to seven other teams have reached out regarding the outfielder’s availability. While the Yankees view re-signing him as a major offseason priority, the market is clearly active.
Bellinger was a key part of New York’s success in 2025, hitting .272 with 29 home runs, 25 doubles, 98 RBIs, and 98 runs scored. The Yankees finished 94-68, tied with the Toronto Blue Jays for the best record in the American league. Manager Aaron Boone even said that last year’s group was “the most talented’‘ roster he has had in eight seasons.
Boras names interested teams through riddles
Rather than simply listing teams, Boras used his trademark cryptic delivery to reveal who was in the mix. His wordplay referenced the Yankees, Dodgers, Angels, Mets, Giants, Reds. Blue Jays, and Phillies.
‘‘It’s not for me to judge, but great players see red if they have a big bat yanked out of their lineup,” Boras began, then continued layering clues. He also mentioned teams not avoiding ”a five-tool player,” that filling center field is ‘‘a giant step.” and pointed to ”angel investors” looking for versatile outfielders.
While playful, his cues pointed clearly to those eight organizations. The Dodgers and Mets have already been viewed as strong suitors. Los Angeles drafted Bellinger and watched him become an MVP in 2019, and many believe there is mutual interest in a reunion.
Toronto adds an intriguing wrinkle since they matched the Yankees for the AL’s best record and remain a direct rival.
Yankees management strongly endorses Bellinger
General manager Brian Cashman has repeatedly stated that Bellinger fits what New York needs.
”Cody Bellinger would be a great fit for us,” Cashman recently said, calling him a defensive asset capable of handling multiple positions while also being a consistent hitter from both sides of matchups.
The discussion around payroll will follow the Yankees all offseason, especially after Hal Steinbrenner called a $300 million roster ”unsustainable.” Boras, however, dismissed the notion that New York plans to hold back financially.
‘When Cash or Randy call me, they don’t talk about limiting payroll…They talk about acquiring players.’
He pointed back to the Yankees’ aggressive pursuit of Juan Soto last year, noting that New York stayed in the race until Soto signed a record 14-year, $765 million deal with the Mets. It’s clear Bellinger’s decision will not come without a bidding war. And the Yankees have plenty of company at the table.
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