Yankees insider's latest update should fuel SF Giants fans' optimism on Cody Bellinger

The New York Yankees have made a competitive offer to Cody Bellinger, but could their patience be wearing thin? If so, this would add more steam to Bellinger potentially joining the SF Giants this offseason.

Yankees insider's latest update should fuel SF Giants fans' optimism on Cody Bellinger

Jack Curry of the Yes Network shared that the Yankees continue to have dialogue with Bellinger about a long-term deal. However, there is growing uncertainty about getting contract talks to the finish line, leading the Yankees to possibly explore other alternatives.

This is not to say that the Yankees will outright look elsewhere. That is not how teams typically do business, but it is a negotiating tactic to give the impression that they are ready to move in a different direction. It is usually also a sign that a formal offer is on the table, and the team is publicly putting pressure on the player to accept.

This is not uncommon with Scott Boras clients. After all, a lot of their discussions tend to happen publicly through the media. If a team is not meeting a contract offer, then Boras will usually convey that his client has a healthy market elsewhere.

This seems to be what is happening with Bellinger and the Yankees. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, New York has a five-year offer on the table. The value of the contract is in the neighborhood of $155 million - $160 million.

Not surprisingly, Bellinger's camp is seeking a seven-year deal. The 2026 season will be the former MVP's age-30 season, so he still has relative youth on his side. What this also means is that Boras likely wants another year with an average annual value of $30 million. That would push the total guarantee to somewhere in the neighborhood of $180 million.

If the two sides are unable to come to a deal, the parties could look elsewhere. The fact that contract specifics have been discussed is a sign that discussions have progressed beyond the more informal deliberations.

That said, the Giants still have a need for another outfielder. In fact, it remains their biggest need of the offseason. Bellinger would check that box. There is a good chance that the nine-year veteran would take over in center field, moving Jung Hoo Lee to right field. That would be a better defensive alignment.

The Giants have been floated as a possible landing spot for Bellinger. That is likely Boras speaking directly to the media, and the Giants have an obvious need in the outfield. Is he a perfect fit for San Francisco? That is a different story.