The New York Yankees have a clear priority this offseason, and it starts with one name: Cody Bellinger. After declining his $25 million player option for 2026, Bellinger is now one of the most sought-after free agents on the market. But for a Yankees team still searching for lineup stability and dependable defense in the outfield, this isn’t the time to get cute. It’s time to lock in a player who’s already proven he can thrive in the Bronx.

Bellinger’s impact since joining the Yankees has been undeniable. He brought athleticism, maturity, and poise to a lineup that needed all three. He fit seamlessly into New York’s environment, never looked overwhelmed by the lights, and produced when it mattered most.

The Yankees can’t risk losing that — not when their outfield depth is already razor thin and the free-agent alternatives are uninspiring at best.

A thin outfield market makes this an easy call

The 30-year-old outfielder posted a .272/.334/.480 slash line last season with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and a 125 wRC+. His contact rate was one of the best of his career, striking out just 13.7% of the time — a significant improvement from his earlier years with the Dodgers. He’s evolved into a smarter, more disciplined hitter who understands how to adjust rather than chase.

That’s exactly the type of offensive consistency the Yankees need. This lineup has long been prone to droughts — the kind that make entire months feel unwatchable. Bellinger’s left-handed bat balances the power-heavy right-handed group, providing a mix of contact and pop that helps stretch the lineup top to bottom.

And the timing couldn’t be better for the Yankees to act aggressively. The outfield market this winter is as thin as it’s been in years. Beyond Bellinger, there are no sure things — just role players, specialists, or aging veterans with declining tools. The Yankees can’t afford to downgrade or gamble on an unproven commodity when they already have a player who fits every hole they need filled.

Bellinger’s versatility makes him indispensable

What makes Bellinger even more valuable is his flexibility. He’s not just an outfielder — he’s a legitimate defensive asset at multiple positions. He can handle all three outfield spots and provide solid defense at first base, giving the Yankees roster flexibility most teams would kill for.

That versatility becomes even more critical considering the current state of the Yankees roster. Relying solely on a young, developing talent like Jasson Dominguez and Ben Rice comes with risk. Having Bellinger as an emergency or rotational across the board would give the Yankees peace of mind and lineup flexibility throughout a long season.

The Yankees also extended Trent Grisham a qualifying offer at $22 million, though the expectation is that he’ll decline it to pursue a longer-term deal elsewhere.

Even if Grisham were to return, his offensive volatility and declining defense make Bellinger the clear centerpiece of any outfield configuration. The team simply doesn’t have another player who can handle center field at a competent level while also being capable of shifting seamlessly between positions.

The money works — and it’s worth it

Some may hesitate at the idea of a long-term deal, but the Yankees can afford it — and more importantly, they can’t afford not to. Reports suggest that Bellinger’s next contract could land in the range of $180 million over six years, averaging $30 million per season. For a player in his prime who fills multiple needs on a championship-caliber roster, that’s a fair price in today’s market.

The Yankees have roughly $70 million in spending flexibility heading into the offseason. They’ve already shown a willingness to be aggressive, offering Grisham the qualifying offer and pursuing bullpen reinforcements. Allocating a chunk of that budget toward Bellinger — a player who directly impacts both sides of the ball — is not just logical but necessary.

If general manager Brian Cashman wants to reshape the roster in a way that maximizes both versatility and reliability, re-signing Bellinger is the clearest path forward. It’s an investment in stability, and the return could be massive.

Kyle Tucker is also on the board, but paying $300+ million might be a scary thought for ownership.

The balance the Yankees desperately need

When the Yankees’ offense falters, it’s rarely due to a lack of talent. The problem has always been balance. Too often, they’ve built lineups around all-or-nothing power hitters, leaving them vulnerable against elite pitching in October.

Bellinger changes that dynamic. His ability to hit to all fields, avoid strikeouts, and play in rhythm with power-first teammates like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton adds much-needed dimension. In short, he helps diversify the offense — something the Yankees have desperately lacked in recent years.

It’s also worth remembering that Bellinger has postseason experience, having played deep into October multiple times with the Dodgers. He knows what it takes to perform under pressure, something not all Yankees have managed to do.

What happens if they pass?

If the Yankees don’t bring Bellinger back, their options thin out quickly. Luis Robert Jr. could be available via trade from the White Sox, but his offensive inconsistency and $20 million salary next season make him a risky acquisition. The rest of the market, aside from Kyle Tucker — players like Harrison Bader — would represent clear downgrades both at the plate and in versatility.

Without Bellinger, the Yankees would be left scrambling to fill multiple holes with patchwork solutions. That’s a recipe for another season of underachievement and uncertainty. The front office already knows how much they stand to lose if both Bellinger and Grisham depart.

With Bellinger, they not only retain one of their most productive bats but ensure that the defensive structure of the team remains intact.

The message it sends

Re-signing Bellinger isn’t just about numbers — it’s about what it signals to the rest of the league. It says the Yankees are serious about winning, that they’re not content to sit idle while other contenders load up. It sends a message to the clubhouse that consistency and production are rewarded.

Players notice when an organization takes care of its own, and bringing back Bellinger on a long-term deal would resonate deeply. He’s respected, experienced, and exactly the kind of player who helps shape a professional, competitive environment.