Yankees GM drops crystal-clear message on Cody Bellinger pursuit amid blazing rumors

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman shared a positive update on their attempt to re-sign Cody Bellinger this winter. The outfielder, who can also play first base, opted out of his contract to become a free agent.

On Sunday, Cashman reportedly told reporters that they are still in play for Bellinger and that they have been in touch with his agent, Scott Boras.

“He’s still in play. I talked to Scott Boras yesterday…we’re going to continue to have dialogue,” Cashman said.

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Brian Cashman on the #Yankees status with Cody Bellinger: “He’s still in play. I talked to Scott Boras yesterday…we’re going to continue to have dialogue.”

This is in line with Cashman's comments at the start of the offseason. At the time, he said that he's in touch with Boras regarding Bellinger, and he's also in touch with another free agent outfielder, Kyle Tucker's agent.

"We'd love to have Bellinger come back," Cashman said in Oct. "Talked to Boras yesterday about Belli and other free agents of his. Talked to Casey Close about his free agents; he's got Kyle Tucker, amongst others. That's the nature of the beast in the winter. Had several conversations with teams today, try to find a way to make a trade or add a free agent and keep going and going and going."

Brian Cashman expressed strong interest in bringing back Cody Bellinger

Cody Bellinger was under a three-year, $80 million contract, but after a strong season with the Yankees, he opted out of the deal he previously signed with the Chicago Cubs.

"I just think the whole dynamic suited them and suited him," Scott Boras said about the decision. "It was really an ideal fit. It was really a well-made ride for everybody."

In 2025, Bellinger batted .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs. These were arguably his best numbers than the NL MVP year he had with the LA Dodgers.

Last month, Bellinger's free agency received a strong update concerning the Yankees, as Brian Cashman said:

"We're very interested in bringing him back."

The Yankees, considering their payroll situation, will be best suited if they sign Bellinger instead of Kyle Tucker. Bellinger is expected to sign a far less lucrative deal, while Tucker might expect nothing less than $400 million contract figure.