The Yankees Just Offered Bellinger Elite Money, But There’s One Major Problem

The Yankees are putting serious cash on the table for Cody Bellinger, with reports confirming an offer above $30 million per year. But despite the massive dollar figure, both sides remain deadlocked—and it all comes down to one issue that could derail everything.

The Money Is There, But the Years Aren’t

Here’s what’s happening right now: The Yankees have made it crystal clear they want Bellinger back in pinstripes. Their latest offer crosses the $30 million AAV threshold, which would instantly place him among baseball’s elite—alongside Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, Mike Trout, and Mookie Betts. That’s the company you want to be in.

But Bellinger’s camp, led by super-agent Scott Boras, is pushing hard for a seven-year commitment. The Yankees? They’re reportedly more comfortable with a four or five-year deal. And that gap is creating all the friction.

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Why This Number Matters

Let’s put $30 million AAV in perspective. Only four outfielders currently make more per season: Soto at $51 million, Judge at $40 million, Trout at $35.5 million, and Betts at $30.4 million. This isn’t just a competitive offer—it’s top-tier money that reflects Bellinger’s value to the Yankees’ lineup.

Recent big-money deals for position players include Kyle Schwarber’s five-year, $150 million contract with the Phillies and Pete Alonso’s five-year, $155 million deal with Baltimore. Bellinger is clearly in that stratosphere, but getting to seven years at this AAV would push the total commitment well beyond $200 million.

What Bellinger Brings to the Table

Bellinger earned this kind of offer with an outstanding 2025 season in the Bronx. He crushed 29 home runs, drove in 98 runs, and posted a .272/.334/.480 slash line. His bat absolutely loved Yankee Stadium—he hit .302 with 18 home runs at home.

But it’s not just the offense. Bellinger logged over 300 innings across all three outfield positions plus first base, giving the Yankees incredible defensive flexibility. His seven outs above average ranked in the 93rd percentile, proving he’s a legit two-way player.

The Risk vs. Reward Calculation

Here’s where it gets tricky. Bellinger turns 30 soon, and while his 2025 was excellent, his career has had some bumpy stretches. Teams remember the lean years between his MVP campaign and recent resurgence. That’s why the Yankees are hesitant to commit seven years—they’re trying to avoid paying top dollar deep into his 30s.

A seven-year deal at $30+ million AAV would also impact New York’s ability to chase other stars down the road. Owner Hal Steinbrenner has hinted he’d prefer the payroll to drop from 2025’s $319 million spending, adding another layer of complexity.

What Happens Next

If the Yankees and Bellinger can’t close the gap on years, expect one of two outcomes: either Bellinger finds another team willing to give him the term security he wants, or the Yankees sweeten the per-year offer while capping the total years.

Right now, the ball is in both courts. The money is clearly there—it’s just a question of how long the commitment lasts. And in baseball, those extra years can make or break a franchise’s future.