The New York Yankees appear to be receiving encouraging signs in their pursuit of Cody Bellinger, who is currently a free agent. While everything seems to be trending in favor of him remaining with the Yankees for the 2026 season, there is one obstacle that could be delaying his arrival: his agent, Scott Boras.
Bellinger’s power as a left-handed hitter fits perfectly with what is expected to provide continuity to the Yankees’ project for the 2026 season, while his defensive versatility allows New York to address multiple needs without having to restructure the roster. The likelihood of the Arizona native staying in the Bronx has grown following a report published by CBS Sports.
Last season, Bellinger played in 152 games, recording 160 hits and scoring 89 runs in 588 at-bats.
While Kyle Tucker was also considered another option, CBS believes Bellinger could be the more affordable choice. Tucker is expected to demand more than $400 million on a 10-year deal given his youth-he is 28 years old-and his upside, while Bellinger, at age 30, would likely seek around $200 million for up to six years.
Boras seeks maximum value for Bellinger, with Toronto in play
Scott Boras, long known for testing the limits of free agency, is once again setting the pace of negotiations. His objective is to secure figures comparable to those earned by other elite hitters.
While his massive $760 million deal for Juan Soto will not be replicated often, Boras is aiming for something in that range of value. According to The Athletic, Boras is considering a contract of $150 million over five years, using Kyle Schwarber’s deal as a reference point.
Given that asking price, Toronto has emerged as a strong possibility. The Blue Jays have the potential to return to the World Series in 2026 after losing the most recent edition to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games. The Canadian club is looking to strengthen its lineup from the left side of the plate.
Bellinger is one of the options being considered, but Kyle Tucker is also on their radar. In an ideal scenario, both would be major additions for the organization, but the Blue Jays are also aware that the Yankees are targeting one of the two. That reality means Toronto may need to apply pressure on Boras to preserve its ability to choose rather than settle for whichever player the Bronx club passes on.
Tucker is an elite player and, with the advantage of youth, may appear to be the ideal fit, but experience can carry significant weight in a key postseason game.
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