New York — The new earthquake has just entered the Bronx. According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, the New York Yankees are at the “finish line” in their efforts to retain versatile star Cody Bellinger, with a six-year, $168 million contract.
If the deal goes through, it will be one of the most notable deals of this winter transfer window — and a strong affirmation that the Yankees have never left the race for MLB power.
A source close to the team revealed:
“The organization believes Bellinger is the perfect fit. They don’t want to leave the Bronx.”
After a blizzard of a season in which Bellinger recorded 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and a string of world-class defenses at both center and first base, the Yankees see him as a symbol of versatility—a weapon the team is desperate for as it rebuilds around Aaron Judge.
Bowden said the contract is expected to be worth six years, $168 million, or about $28 million per season.
That’s a figure that reflects the Yankees’ absolute faith in the 2019 MVP.
If completed, it would be one of the biggest post-MVP deals of the decade, and the Yankees’ first “deal” since Gerrit Cole.
A New York Post columnist put it this way:
“When the Yankees spend $168 million, they’re not just buying skill—they’re buying the trust of Bronx fans.”
While the Yankees are in a good position, the New York Mets and Houston Astros are reportedly keeping a close eye on things.
The Mets are reportedly willing to throw more money at Bellinger if he expresses any hesitation, while the Astros see him as the “final piece” of the 2026 championship squad.
However, the difference lies in the emotions: Bellinger is said to truly love the Bronx, and wants to continue his journey with Aaron Judge, Anthony Volpe and Juan Soto – teammates he believes can “put the Yankees back on the throne”.
Cody Bellinger’s story is an incredible journey.
From a talent who hit rock bottom in a Dodgers jersey, he was reborn in New York – where he found his peak swing and fighting spirit.
Bellinger is more than just a player; he has become a symbol of “Yankee grit” – the unyielding spirit that Bronx fans pride themselves on.
“Bellinger brings an energy that the Yankees have lacked for years. He makes the team believe they can beat anyone,” said a member of the coaching staff.
If signed in the coming weeks, the Yankees would:
Keep a star who can play three different defensive positions,
Stabilize the offense around Judge – Soto – Bellinger,
And send a strong message: “The Bronx are back, and we play to win.”
Experts predict that the deal will also trigger a series of dominoes in the auto market, with players like Cody Cease or Teoscar Hernández potentially being revalued based on this “Bellinger-tier” system.
While both sides have been tight-lipped, multiple sources say the Yankees and Bellinger are close to a final deal.
An official announcement could come “at any time”—even this week.
And if it does, the Bronx will be back to its glory days.
A once-doubted star has found his light again—and a fantasy empire has seemingly eclipsed the normalization of consciousness.
A longtime Yankees fan wrote on social media X:
“$168 million isn’t just money. It’s a statement: we believe in Bellinger, and we believe the Bronx will shine again.”
And Bellinger? He’s been quiet. But sometimes, silence is the loudest signal.
Everyone is waiting—and if everyone’s expectations come true, New York will have a new king in pinstripes.
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