In New York, they know they cannot afford to go another season without being protagonists, which is why they are beginning to stay active in this offseason.
Just this week they sent four prospects, including Dillon Lewis, to the Miami Marlins in exchange for left-handed reliever Ryan Weathers. This not only shores up the bullpen, but also makes it clear that the organization plans to continue dealing with its minor league depth.
According to ESPN insider Jeff Passan, this deal “opens the door for more moves,” confirming that in the Bronx they are not yet closing their offseason, just a month before the start of spring training.
The board sends a strong message to Bellinger
Regarding the Bellinger case, according to information from Pete Caldera, a reporter for NJ.com, patience in the front office is beginning to run out. Although there is no formal ultimatum, the message is clear: the Yankees would be inviting Bellinger to seek better offers from other teams such as the Mets, Dodgers or Blue Jays.
The reason is economic. A new contract for Bellinger would take the team’s payroll above $300 million, surpassing the last luxury tax threshold, something ownership would prefer to avoid.
Where will Cody Bellinger play in 2026?
The central theme remains Cody Bellinger. The former Rookie of the Year and National League MVP opted out of his contract after a solid season, but nearly three months later he remains without a team. His market value, according to Spotrac, is around $183 million for six years.
However, the outlook in the Bronx is different. Veteran journalist Bob Nightingale reported that the Yankees have a five-year offer worth between $155 million and $160 million, with no deferred payments. Bellinger, meanwhile, is reportedly seeking at least a seven-year deal.
That disagreement over the length of the contract has led negotiations to a standstill, a situation that has not changed in recent days.
The reality is that the alternatives do not seem so clear. The Mets are focused on Kyle Tucker, to whom they are said to have offered a multi-million dollar contract. Toronto has shown long-term interest, but would not make a move until the Tucker case is resolved.
As for the Dodgers, the franchise that originally developed Bellinger, their strategy seems to be to wait. According to reports, Los Angeles would be waiting for the market to cool down before acting.
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