Yankees Stand Firm: No Bidding War for Bellinger

The Yankees are making headlines this offseason with their high-stakes standoff over Cody Bellinger, choosing to bow out of a potential bidding war.

The Yankees seem determined to stick to their guns, letting Bellinger walk if the likes of the Mets or any other team flash an irresistible offer.

Bellinger joined us via trade from the Cubs back in December 2024. He brought versatility and power, playing across the outfield and even some first base. His numbers were impressive: a .272 batting average, 29 home runs, and 98 RBIs. He was a force at Yankee Stadium, belting 18 homers and driving in 55 runs. Yet here we are, ready to wave goodbye if the bidding gets too rich.

Now, the Yankees have made a decent offer, mind you—five years, $160 million, with two opt-outs. Seems fair, right? But there’s one catch: our front office isn’t budging if someone else digs deeper into their pockets.

#Yankees have made an internal decision not to engage in a bidding war for Cody Bellinger if #Mets or anyone else swoops in with a blow-away offer. Yankees believe they’ve made a fair proposal – five years, $160 million, two opt-outs. They’re prepared to let Bellinger walk.

— Bob Klapisch (@BobKlap) January 18, 2026

The Bid Dilemma

The Yankees’ unwillingness to engage in a luxurious bidding game for Bellinger boils down to a belief in fair value. But where’s the backup plan if Bellinger slips away? The free-agent market looks pretty sparse for impact players of Bellinger’s caliber. And turning to trades now seems like throwing darts blindfolded, hoping for a bullseye.

Playing Hardball

Yes, Bellinger opted out of his $25 million player option, seeking a longer commitment. Understandable. But our choice to avoid a bidding war feels like a gamble. Are we really ready to see Aaron Judge, turning 34 next year, without someone like Bellinger backing him up in the lineup? Our team could be weaker, and that’s a bitter pill to swallow. Do the Yankees might have something bigger up their sleeves?

Where’s the Plan B?

Here’s the kicker: there’s no backup plan. The Yankees are acting like Bellinger is the only player who could possibly fit their needs. They’ve put all their eggs in the Bellinger basket and are now scrambling like a kid who waited till the night before to study for an exam. Other free agents? Crickets. Trades? Well, maybe if something shiny catches their eye. But otherwise, it’s a big ball of nothing.

Imagine entering a season with a 34-year-old Aaron Judge and a lineup that’s, frankly, worse than last year’s. What are they thinking? The fans are probably just as puzzled. The Yankees expect loyalty when they offer peanuts compared to the competition, and it’s the fans who suffer as a result.