The New York Yankees really need to take a good look at the team they have right now. Because at the rate they are going in the offseason, they might not have a competitive team to put on the field. And that competitive team will need Cody Bellinger, and it looks like the insiders are losing confidence in Bellinger’s return to the Bronx.

“Somebody is going to come with a contract that the Yankees deem reckless, and they are not going to match, and Bellinger is going to be somewhere else,” said WFAN host. “Let’s do some stuff to make sure the Yankees don’t drown in April… Go out and get pitching.”

The Yankees’ offense stumbled dramatically in 2025, failing to sustain their early power surge. New York’s lineup could not consistently produce runs after June, despite leading baseball earlier. The team once hit consistently, but then went cold in scoring situations and left runners stranded. Cody Bellinger averaged .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs over 152 games.

That offensive inconsistency significantly impacted the Yankees’ playoff position and morale in tight games. Even with Bellinger’s power and versatility toward the middle of the order, the team struggled at times. The offense’s feast-or-famine nature could not overcome quality pitching staffs in October like Toronto’s.

Now, with Cody Bellinger opting out and entering free agency, aiming for a long-term, big contract, the hole feels wider. What makes it worse is that the Yankees don’t have the pitching to back up the bats without Bellinger.

The Yankees’ pitching woes magnified as the season wore on and deadline moves faltered. New York’s rotation regressed after its early success, and bullpen instability cost late leads repeatedly. Trade deadline relievers like Jake Bird often disappointed, making run prevention a central downfall of the 2025 campaign.

To stay competitive, Brian Cashman and the Yankees must strengthen pitching, especially with Rodon and Cole injured, and they cannot retain Bellinger.

If the Yankees’ pitching staff remains below league average without Bellinger’s offensive support, contention fades quickly. In a division where the Red Sox are starting to pick up pace, the Orioles, after getting Pete Alonso, are going after pitchers, and Toronto, the chances of the Yankees making the postseason have taken a heavy hit, going to +750 odds.

We already know that Kyle Tucker is out of reach, and with Bellinger gone and the Cashman showing no interest in improving their pitching, he might hit the final nail in the coffin for his Yankees GM career and cost the Yankees a World Series for at least the next 5 years.

The warning signs are clear now, and ignoring them would be organizational negligence, not patience. Brian Cashman faces a simple reality: fix pitching immediately, or watch Aaron Judge’s seasons fade quietly. Without Cody Bellinger or real pitching upgrades, the Yankees risk becoming expensive spectators every October.

The other side of New York is all in on Cody Bellinger

In the city that never sleeps, the off-field drama is nearly as intense as the game on it. The Yankees are scheming to keep a prized outfielder, while just across town, the Mets are sharpening their pencils, ready to outbid or outmaneuver their Bronx neighbors. Cody Bellinger is at the center, and yes, the market is already in full chaos mode.

The New York Mets are actively pursuing Cody Bellinger as a top free agent target. Bellinger posted a 4.9 fWAR in 152 games during the 2025 season. He hit .272 with 29 homers and 98 RBIs. His defensive metrics include 5 Outs Above Average and 93rd percentile OAA.

Bellinger’s versatility adds value, with experience in left, center, and first base positions.

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He is reportedly seeking a long-term deal, but could consider shorter contracts. A high-AAV, short-term contract aligns with the Mets’ payroll strategy and flexibility. Landing him would provide the Mets with both offensive production and strong defensive coverage across the outfield.

For the Mets, securing Bellinger could shift the balance of power in New York significantly. Yankees fans are nervously watching as their rival prepares to test financial limits and roster depth. Cody Bellinger’s next contract decision will likely set the tone for the city’s baseball offseason drama.