Cody Bellinger Chooses $25 Million Yankees Free Agency Deal
Cody Bellinger has officially entered the free-agent market after opting out of his contract with the New York Yankees. He declined the final year of his $25 million deal, signaling his intention to seek new opportunities. This decision, confirmed by The Post’s Jon Heyman, opens the door for multiple teams interested in the talented outfielder.
Cody Bellinger’s Stellar Performance
During his time with the Yankees, Bellinger delivered an impressive performance. He played exceptional defense across all three outfield positions and first base. His baserunning skills further added to his value on the field.
- Batting Average: .272
- On-base Plus Slugging (OPS): .813
- Home Runs: 29
- Stolen Bases: 13
- Wins Above Replacement (bWAR): 5.0
Potential Reunion with the Yankees
Despite opting out, there is a possibility of Bellinger returning to the Yankees. The organization may show renewed interest in re-signing him. However, competition could be fierce, as Bellinger’s strong performance makes him an appealing target for several franchises.
Background and Previous Contracts
Before his stint with the Yankees, Bellinger signed a three-year, $80 million contract with the Chicago Cubs prior to the 2024 season. This contract included player opt-outs after the first and second years. He opted not to leave after his first season, which led to a salary dump trade to the Yankees.
Market Dynamics for Bellinger’s Services
This winter, Cody Bellinger is expected to be among the top free agents in the market. Kyle Tucker, who the Cubs acquired partly to fill Bellinger’s previous role, will also be a key player. As Bellinger seeks a new deal, both he and Tucker could draw significant interest from multiple teams.
