Cody Bellinger has been the subject of numerous rumors this offseason; and after so much speculation, we could finally be approaching a bidding war.
MLB Network correspondent Jon Heyman reported earlier this week that although Bellinger seemed likely to stay in New York — either with the Yankees or the Mets — the Cubs, Dodgers and Giants were still in contact with the veteran outfielder.
The Cubs’ involvement was brought up again on Sunday, when Heyman noted that the club had shown interest not only in Bellinger, but also in Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette and others. Later that night, Joel Sherman wrote in the New York Post that the Yankees had made Bellinger a second contract offer.
Although there is still nothing close to being finalized, it is worth asking if this offer indicates that a final offensive is approaching. Sherman’s report came hours after The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner and Ken Rosenthal (subscription required) reported that the Yankees have been involved in trade talks with the Brewers and Marlins for Freddy Peralta and Edward Cabrera, respectively, the first substantial rumor to come out of the Bronx in several weeks.
Although Kyle Tucker is considered the best free agent outfielder available this year, Bellinger has been the most coveted so far; In addition to being a more affordable alternative, he is still only 30 years old and is heading into his tenth season in the Majors, with clear signs of having recovered his level after the sharp drop in his production at the end of his time with the Dodgers between 2020 and 2022. In his last three seasons with the Cubs (2023-24) and the Yankees (2025), Bellinger has averaged 24 home runs and 91 RBIs per season, with a combined offensive line of .281/.338/.477 and an OPS+ of 125. The delay in his case probably also influences the lack of movement with Tucker, given that Bellinger’s market value would have a direct impact on that of the Astros outfielder.
Little information has been leaked about Bellinger’s negotiations with the Cubs — or any other team, for that matter. That said, given Chicago’s reported interest in several other free agents, the question is whether a club that potentially lets Tucker go is willing to commit to more than one long-term contract.
