The New York Yankees’ outfield is currently anchored by captain Aaron Judge, flanked by Trent Grisham and Jasson Dominguez, with promising prospect Spencer Jones pushing for a starting role. But let’s be real—this lineup falls short for a franchise chasing World Series glory. That’s why the Bronx Bombers are pulling out all the stops to lure free agent Cody Bellinger back into pinstripes. Landing the star outfielder would empower GM Brian Cashman to flip Dominguez and/or Jones in blockbuster trades, bolstering a shaky starting rotation.

The Yankees and Cody Bellinger are not close to an agreement

Yet, the path to a reunion is riddled with drama. ESPN insider Buster Olney reports a massive chasm in talks between Bellinger’s camp and the Yankees, leaving team execs reeling from the eye-popping demands.

Fresh off a stellar campaign, Bellinger has the Yankees eager to retain him, but the financial divide is staggering. His side is pushing for a deal that eclipses the $27.5 million he pocketed last season, and with super-agent Scott Boras at the helm, there’s zero chance they’ll budge for anything less on an average annual value. Boras’ aggressive asks have reportedly left the Yankees stunned, turning what should be a straightforward negotiation into a high-stakes standoff.

Despite the impasse, the Bombers can’t drag their feet—rival teams are circling like sharks, including the crosstown Mets, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Chicago Cubs, all ready to pounce.

The Yankees have already tabled two offers for Bellinger, a move that sets them apart from the pack, where no other suitors have stepped up with formal proposals yet.

If the 30-year-old phenom does ink a return to the Bronx, the Yankees won’t be done wheeling and dealing. They’ll still hunt for a potent right-handed bat to balance a lineup that’s dangerously tilted toward lefties.