A former MVP power hitter who once shared a clubhouse with Ryu Hyun-jin on the Los Angeles Dodgers turned down a large contract offer from the New York Yankees.
ESPN, the U.S. sports network, reported on the 11th (Korean time) that "contract talks between the New York Yankees and Cody Bellinger have reached an impasse."
ESPN said specifically, "The Yankees wanted to re-sign veteran outfielder Bellinger, who performed well for the team last season, but for now are operating on the assumption that Bellinger will sign with another team. The Yankees are exploring other reinforcement options."
According to multiple sources, the Yankees offered Bellinger a five-year contract with a minimum average annual value of $30 million. They promised a fairly generous deal with a minimum five-year aggregate of $150 million (about 219 billion won). ESPN said, "This is similar in level to contracts other star players signed this offseason," citing Pete Alonso, who went to the Baltimore Orioles for five years and $155 million, and Kyle Schwarber, who remained with the Philadelphia Phillies for five years and $150 million, as examples.
But Bellinger rejected the offer, saying he wants a larger contract. ESPN reported, "Bellinger, whose agent is Scott Boras, is demanding a figure that exceeds the Yankees' proposed $30 million average annual value for a contract longer than five years." Bellinger is said to want a super-long-term contract of seven years or more.
Last season Bellinger hit .272 with 29 home runs, a .334 on-base percentage and a .480 slugging percentage for the Yankees. Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Bellinger's defense, athleticism and ability to handle multiple positions, and Bellinger, who joined the Yankees via trade, showed enthusiasm on his first day by saying, "I'll play anywhere the team wants me to." Bellinger actually appeared in 85 games in left field, 41 games in center field and 52 games in right field. If necessary, he is a player who can also show top-level defense at first base.
Bellinger also fit well with Yankee Stadium. Of his 29 home runs, 18 were hit at home, and his home OPS was .909. He was praised for superbly carrying on the legacy of his father, Clay Bellinger, who also played for the Yankees.
But Bellinger is unlikely to wear the pinstripe uniform any longer. ESPN reported, "Unless there is a change in negotiations, it looks increasingly likely that Bellinger's time with the Yankees will be over. The Yankees appear likely to review other options to bolster the roster. They are continuing discussions to acquire outfielder Kyle Tucker and infielder Bo Bichette, and while negotiating with Bellinger they are also exploring trades with other clubs," conveying the local mood.
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