The New York Yankees have spent much of the offseason without an answer on Cody Bellinger, but as negotiations continue, it’s starting to feel like if he doesn’t take the deal New York has offered, it is OK with letting him walk.
According to Bob Klapisch of NJ.com, the Yankees have already made a firm decision on how far they’re willing to go, and they don’t plan on going beyond it.
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“But I’ve since been told that an inter-borough war — as irresistible as it might be for hot-stove junkies to follow — will probably never get off the ground.
“The Yankees have made the internal decision to hold the line on Bellinger, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. They’re convinced that their latest offer of five years, $160 million with two opt-outs is not only fair, but it’s their last proposal. The person requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. While the door remains open for further talks with agent Scott Boras, the message to Bellinger’s camp is unmistakable: Take it or leave it,” he wrote.
The Yankees believe they’ve already presented Bellinger with a deal that’s more than fair, and unless Scott Boras is looking for something unrealistic, that’s how many around the league should view this.
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The problem in that situation is the name I mentioned in Boras, as he’s always going to do whatever it takes to ensure his clients get paid as well as anybody in the league.
From the organization’s perspective, five years and $160 million, especially with two opt-outs, is more than enough for both sides. It rewards Bellinger if he performs, while possibly letting him get out of it if he were to have some crazy market moving forward.
While Bellinger was fine offensively last year, his track record isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. If it were, he likely wouldn’t be in the position that he currently is, as most teams around Major League Baseball don’t seem too interested in him.
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If Bellinger accepts the offer, the Yankees get a versatile everyday player who fits the lineup immediately. If he doesn’t, there’s reason to believe they could go out and find another decent player for a similar price.