Following the announcement that Kyle Tucker agreed to a four-year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers late Thursday night, attention has quickly shifted to another major free agent. The New York Yankees and New York Mets are now reportedly locked in a fierce bidding war for outfielder Cody Bellinger, according to MLB columnist Bob Nightengale of USA Today. This development intensifies the race for premier talent as the offseason progresses, with both New York teams eager to strengthen their rosters.
Mets’ Failed Pursuit of Kyle Tucker Redirects Focus to Bellinger
The Mets had been among the leading contenders for Kyle Tucker, competing with the Toronto Blue Jays, and reportedly extended an offer exceeding a $50 million average annual value over four years, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. Despite this aggressive approach, Tucker chose the Dodgers, who not only offered a substantial $64 million signing bonus but also contract opt-outs after the second and third years, as reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Yankees Monitored Tucker but Avoided Direct Offer
While the Yankees monitored Tucker’s free agency status, they ultimately did not make an official offer. Jon Heyman of the New York Post confirmed the Yankees were on the periphery of the Tucker pursuit, viewing their interest as due diligence rather than an active chase. Jack Curry of the YES Network noted that general manager Brian Cashman has a history of conducting similar exploratory checks with high-profile free agents, but this time the Yankees chose not to engage in a serious bid for Tucker.
Yankees Maintain Ongoing Dialogues with Bellinger but Face Contract Disputes
The Mets have now turned their attention to left fielder Cody Bellinger, who has been in consistent discussions with the Yankees for several weeks. However, these conversations have not yet produced an agreement, as Bellinger and his agent Scott Boras are said to seek a seven-year contract. Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees remain divided on meeting such terms, even though they have shown willingness to negotiate.
Negotiations Reveal Divergent Contract Expectations Between Bellinger and Yankees
According to Heyman, the Yankees are willing to propose opt-outs as part of their contract offer, which currently stands at five years with a total value between $155 million and $160 million, reflecting an average annual value (AAV) of more than $30 million per season, Bob Nightengale detailed. In contrast, Bellinger and Boras are demanding a longer commitment of seven years, with an AAV ranging from $36 million to $37 million. Bob Klapsich of NJ.com highlighted that this would total between $252 million and $259 million, a sum the Yankees have, so far, declined to match but continue to consider in ongoing talks.
Pressure Builds on Mets Ownership and Management to Secure Major Free Agents
The Mets, facing the disappointment of losing out on Tucker, are under mounting pressure from their fanbase. Recent moves—including trading outfielder Brandon Nimmo, allowing fan-favorite first baseman Pete Alonso to sign with the Baltimore Orioles, and losing all-star closer Edwin Diaz to the Dodgers—have intensified demands on owner Steve Cohen and general manager David Stearns to make significant offseason acquisitions. With Cohen’s estimated net worth at $23 billion, Forbes notes, the principal question is not financial capacity but rather whether the Mets are willing to meet Bellinger’s price and prioritize his acquisition as a critical asset.
Yankees Also Grapple with Fan Expectations Amidst a Slow Offseason
The Yankees are similarly under pressure to make impactful signings, having so far made few notable additions. One exception is left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers, acquired recently in a trade with the Miami Marlins. These moves reflect an offseason strategy that has not yet energized the team’s fanbase, leaving the organization hungry for a defining free-agent signing like Bellinger to alter its trajectory.
Bellinger’s Versatility and Previous Performance Bolster His Appeal
Cody Bellinger’s value stems from his combination of offensive power and defensive flexibility. In his first season with the Yankees, he delivered 29 home runs and posted an impressive .814 OPS while excelling defensively in left field. Additionally, his ability to competently cover all three outfield positions and occasionally fill in at first base enhances his utility to the team. This versatility and winning attitude have made Bellinger a coveted player for both New York clubs as they seek to address roster needs.
Rivalry Deepens as Bellinger’s Decision Could Shape New York Baseball
Bellinger’s arrival came as a bright spot for the Yankees, who had struggled to replace superstar right fielder Juan Soto after he left for the Mets in free agency the previous offseason. As the bidding war intensifies, other teams may also pursue Bellinger, but the rivalry between the Yankees and Mets adds significant drama to his eventual signing. Which organization will demonstrate the greater commitment and desire to secure Bellinger remains a pivotal question as the winter progresses.
BREAKING: Star outfielder Kyle Tucker and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a free agent contract, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 16, 2026
The Phillies are the overwhelming favorites to sign infielder Bo Bichette while the Yankees and Mets will now be in a bidding war for outfielder Cody Bellinger.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 16, 2026
Full details on Kyle Tucker's Dodgers contract, per ESPN sources:
– 4 years, $240 million guaranteed
– Opt-outs after Years 2 and 3
– $64M signing bonus
– $30M deferred
– $57.1M a year in net present value after factoring in deferrals — a record by $6M+A staggering deal.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 16, 2026
Yankees and Bellinger camp continue to talk into this week. NYY trying to bridge the gap in years by enhancing their latest offer (for 5 years) by offering an opt-out, nice signing bonus, no deferrals. Parties have possible options but effort being made to stay together.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 13, 2026
