### Yankees and Mets in a High-Stakes Battle for Cody Bellinger The ongoing negotiations surrounding Cody Bellinger, a prominent MLB free agent, have intensified as both the New York Yankees and New York Mets vie for his services. The Yankees are reportedly prioritizing other players while the Mets are ramping up their efforts to secure Bellinger, creating a competitive landscape for one of the league's top talents. As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the dynamics of these negotiations could significantly impact both teams' rosters and strategies moving forward. ### Breakdown of Current Negotiations and Team Strategies 1. **Yankees' Position**: - The Yankees have placed Bellinger on the back burner as they focus on re-signing other key players, indicating a shift in their priorities [https://bolavip.com/en/mlb/mlb-rumors-ny-yankees-put-cody-bellinger-on-the-back-burner-as-interest-in-4x-all-star-takes-top-priority]. - They are reportedly struggling to meet Bellinger's high contract demands, which could hinder their ability to retain him [https://bolavip.com/en/mlb/ny-yankees-dodgers-and-top-contenders-reportedly-struggle-to-meet-cody-bellingers-sky-high-demands]. 2. **Mets' Aggressive Pursuit**: - The Mets are showing a strong interest in Bellinger, positioning themselves as serious contenders to lure him away from the Yankees [https://bolavip.com/en/mlb/mlb-rumors-ny-mets-may-face-particular-stumbling-block-to-snatch-cody-bellinger-from-ny-yankees]. - They are willing to make significant moves to secure a deal, which could complicate the Yankees' efforts [https://bolavip.com/en/mlb/mlb-rumors-ny-mets-turn-aggressive-cody-bellinger-yankees-show-genuine-interest-bringing-back-luke-weaver]. 3. **Market Dynamics**: - Bellinger is reportedly waiting for another star's contract to be finalized before making his decision, which could influence the market and the Yankees' strategy [https://bolavip.com/en/mlb/yankees-rumors-cody-bellinger-could-wait-on-kyle-tucker-deal-to-shape-market]. - The Yankees' general manager has indicated that they are not willing to meet the financial expectations set by Bellinger, which may lead to his departure [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/yankees_have_one_unexpected_competitor_for_cody_bellinger/s1_13132_43211853]. ### Supporting Evidence and Market Conditions - **Contract Demands**: Bellinger's contract demands are reportedly "sky-high," causing concern among potential suitors, including the Yankees and Dodgers [https://bolavip.com/en/mlb/ny-yankees-dodgers-and-top-contenders-reportedly-struggle-to-meet-cody-bellingers-sky-high-demands]. - **Team Interests**: The Yankees and Mets are both in the mix for Bellinger, with the Mets being described as "very in" on the outfielder, which could shift the balance of power in New York [https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/mlb-rumors-mets-very-in-on-cody-bellinger-catch-yankees-attention]. - **Negotiation Stalemate**: The Yankees have not made significant moves in free agency, which may reflect their hesitance to commit to Bellinger's financial expectations [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/yankees-michael-king-rumors-get-major-update-11221338]. ### Conclusion: A Critical Juncture for Bellinger and New York Teams In summary, the negotiations surrounding Cody Bellinger are at a pivotal point, with both the Yankees and Mets actively pursuing him but facing significant challenges. 1. **Yankees' Strategy**: The Yankees are currently prioritizing other players and may not meet Bellinger's financial demands, which could lead to his exit [https://bolavip.com/en/mlb/mlb-rumors-ny-yankees-put-cody-bellinger-on-the-back-burner-as-interest-in-4x-all-star-takes-top-priority]. 2. **Mets' Aggression**: The Mets are positioning themselves as serious contenders, willing to make bold moves to secure Bellinger [https://bolavip.com/en/mlb/mlb-rumors-ny-mets-turn-aggressive-cody-bellinger-yankees-show-genuine-interest-bringing-back-luke-weaver]. 3. **Market Influence**: Bellinger's decision may hinge on the outcomes of other player contracts, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations [https://bolavip.com/en/mlb/yankees-rumors-cody-bellinger-could-wait-on-kyle-tucker-deal-to-shape-market]. As the offseason progresses, the outcome of these negotiations will be crucial for both teams as they look to enhance their rosters for the upcoming season.