Angels Emerge as Serious Threat in Cody Bellinger Free Agency.

The New York Yankees may now face increased competition in their efforts to re-sign outfielder Cody Bellinger ahead of the 2026 season. Recent reporting suggests the Los Angeles Angels have positioned themselves as a potential major player in the free-agent market, raising concerns for teams hoping to land the former MVP. Bleacher Report analyst Kerry Miller recently identified the Angels as a team to watch in the Bellinger sweepstakes. While Los Angeles is often associated with the Dodgers in high-profile free-agent rumors, Miller emphasized that the Angels should not be overlooked, particularly after their recent roster moves. Following the trade of outfielder Taylor Ward, the Angels are in clear need of offensive reinforcements in the outfield. Financial flexibility has also improved for the Angels. According to The Athletic, the team restructured the remainder of Anthony Rendon’s contract, which originally included $38 million owed in 2026. By spreading those payments across the next three to five seasons, the Angels freed significant payroll space that could be redirected toward elite free agents.

Bellinger is widely regarded as one of the top available players this offseason, alongside Kyle Tucker. Multiple teams—including the Yankees, Mets, and Blue Jays—have been linked to him in recent months. However, the Angels’ newfound payroll freedom places them in a stronger position to make an aggressive offer. Reports indicate Bellinger’s camp, led by agent Scott Boras, is seeking a contract in the range of six years and $180 million. YES Network insider Jack Curry has noted that no team has yet approached those demands. Even so, the Angels appear to have the financial capacity to make a competitive bid if ownership is willing to exceed previous payroll levels. Before Rendon’s contract adjustment, the Angels were already projected to spend significantly less in 2026 than in 2025. MLBTradeRumors estimates that the team could now have between $40 and $70 million in additional flexibility, depending on how the payroll is structured. This could allow the Angels to pursue Bellinger while still staying near last season’s payroll total.

Meanwhile, the Yankees’ relatively quiet offseason has drawn criticism. Unlike the previous year—when they added several high-profile players early—the team has yet to make a major free-agent signing. If Bellinger receives an offer that surpasses his projected market value, it remains uncertain whether New York would be willing to match it.

As more teams enter the bidding, the Yankees’ chances of bringing Bellinger back to the Bronx appear increasingly uncertain.