he New York Yankees entered the offseason with one major priority: keep Cody Bellinger in pinstripes. But according to multiple reports, that goal is slipping further out of reach.

Bellinger, 30, opted out of his contract after a strong rebound year in New York, where he posted a .272 batting average with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs. He helped transform the Yankees’ offense into one of baseball’s most dangerous units—leading the league in runs scored (849) and home runs (274). Despite that success, sources close to the organization now say the team isn’t confident about its chances of re-signing the former MVP.

Money and Market Pressure Rising

NJ Advance Media’s Randy Miller reported that while re-signing Bellinger remains the Yankees’ top offseason priority, “they’re not confident that they’ll be successful because the years and money could soar far above their comfort zone.” Represented by agent Scott Boras, Bellinger is expected to attract interest from multiple big-market contenders willing to go beyond what New York might be prepared to spend.

The Yankees’ payroll for 2025 was roughly $305 million, and managing partner Hal Steinbrenner has not yet provided general manager Brian Cashman with a clear budget for 2026. If Steinbrenner decides to scale back spending to reset the luxury tax threshold, that could all but end any hopes of retaining Bellinger.

Even so, losing him could come at a steep cost. After years of searching for stability in center field, the Yankees finally found it with Bellinger—who delivered steady defense, veteran leadership, and a balanced left-handed bat in a lineup dominated by righties. His absence would reopen one of the team’s most persistent roster holes.

Next Man Up? Yankees’ Outfield in Flux

If Bellinger departs, the Yankees’ next Opening Day outfield could look drastically different. Randy Miller’s early roster projection for 2026 has Jasson Domínguez in left field full-time, with top prospect Spencer Jones penciled in for center despite never logging a major league at-bat.

The organization is excited about its young talent, but banking on Jones or Domínguez to replicate Bellinger’s production would be a massive gamble for a team built to contend now. The Yankees could pivot toward more affordable options such as re-signing Trent Grisham or exploring trades for a stopgap outfielder, but neither move would replace Bellinger’s impact.

Complicating things further, several key contributors are already on the injured list. Shortstop Anthony Volpe and pitchers Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt are all expected to miss the start of the 2026 season, putting added pressure on the front office to strengthen both the rotation and the lineup.

For all their financial might, the Yankees once again find themselves debating how much is too much to spend on a proven star. With Bellinger’s value surging after a comeback season and Boras likely pushing for a long-term deal, the team’s willingness to spend big could determine whether they remain a true World Series contender—or fall short again.

If Bellinger walks, it would mark yet another offseason where New York lost a key free agent over financial hesitations. And for a club that just watched its championship hopes collapse in the ALDS, patience might finally be wearing thin among fans and players alike.

Whether that changes in the coming weeks could define the Yankees’ entire offseason.