Cody Bellinger will remain with the New York Yankees. According to ESPN, the outfielder and first baseman has agreed to a five-year deal worth $162.5 million, which includes opt-out clauses after the second and third years, a $20 million signing bonus, and a no-trade provision.
Bellinger was among the top free agents this offseason. Following signings like Kyle Tucker (to the ), Kyle Schwarber (Phillies), Cody Bregman (Cubs), and Pete Alonso (Orioles), Bellinger was regarded as the best position player still available.
Last season with the Yankees, Bellinger delivered strong numbers, batting .272/.334/.480 with 25 doubles, 29 home runs, and 98 RBIs over 152 games. He is 30 years old and chose to decline his player option after the 2025 campaign.
A two-time All-Star, Bellinger earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2017 with the Los Angeles and was part of their 2018 World Series-run team. He won the National League MVP in 2019 and helped the secure the 2020 World Series title. Bellinger spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Chicago Cubs before being traded to the Yankees prior to last season.
The Yankees finished last year with a 94-68 record but fell to the eventual American League champion Toronto Blue Jays in the AL Division Series. During this offseason, the Yankees also retained outfielder Trent Grisham by extending a $22.025 million qualifying offer and re-signed left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough along with infielder Amed Rosario.
Fan Take: This blockbuster signing solidifies the Yankees as a powerhouse, giving fans confidence in the team’s competitiveness for years to come. For baseball enthusiasts, Bellinger’s commitment highlights the ongoing trend of star players seeking long-term stability while fueling excitement around marquee matchups.
