The battle for Bellinger intensifies as rumors surface that the New York Yankees have submitted a second contract offer.

As 2026 starts, among the top ten free agents from the 2025 season, particularly position players, a number still have not settled on their final destinations. Recent news indicates that the New York Yankees have extended a second contract offer to Cody Bellinger, marking the escalation of the bidding war for him.

Previously, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Yankees had submitted an offer to Bellinger in late December 2025. More recently, another reporter from the same outlet, Joel Sherman, noted that the Yankees have now delivered a second contract offer. This at least shows that both sides are engaged in close negotiations over the terms, although it is still unclear whether a deal is imminent.

For the Yankees, securing Bellinger will directly impact their future roster strategy. If they successfully re-sign him, first base is expected to be manned by Ben Rice, designated hitter by Giancarlo Stanton, right field by Aaron Judge, and center field by Trent Grisham, who has accepted a qualifying offer. This setup would leave left field as Bellinger’s primary position, though that spot currently also includes Jasson Domínguez and promising farmhand Spencer Jones, who is preparing to join the major leagues.

This means Bellinger’s return would create a crowded situation in left field. Meanwhile, the Yankees are in talks with Miami Marlins’ baseball operations president Peter Bendix about possibly trading starting pitcher Edward Cabrera. Therefore, if Bellinger is signed, the Yankees might consider offering Domínguez or Jones as trade assets—since the Marlins are looking for young players with limited major league experience, affordable salaries, and long-term control.

Of course, besides the Yankees, the Chicago Cubs are also interested in re-signing Bellinger. This is because, with Seiya Suzuki becoming the primary designated hitter over the past two years and Kyle Tucker entering free agency, there is a vacancy in right field (left field is occupied by Ian Happ, and center field by Pete Crow-Armstrong). Bellinger’s addition would help solidify the Cubs’ outfield and designated hitter rotation. Additionally, both Suzuki and Happ will become free agents after the 2026 season, opening up more playing opportunities in 2027 for farm prospects Moisés Ballesteros, Owen Caissie, and Kevin Alcántara.