Yankees OF Cody bellinger Reportedly Expected to Opt Out of Contract
New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger is widely expected to exercise the opt-out clause in his current contract, according to multiple reports. The decision would make the two-time All-Star a free agent following the 2025 season.
Bellinger signed a three-year, $80 million contract with the Chicago Cubs after the 2023 season, which was then traded to the Yankees. The deal included a $25 million salary for 2026 and player options after the first and second seasons. Bellinger’s strong performance in 2025 – totaling 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, 13 stolen bases, and a .272/.334/.480 slash line with 5 wins above replacement – substantially increases his market value. These totals represent his highest since winning the national League MVP Award with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019.
the 30-year-old Bellinger was acquired by the Yankees from Chicago last offseason in exchange for right-hander cody Poteet. he demonstrated versatility in 2025, starting extensively in all three outfield positions and posting a combined 12 DRS in the outfield. While the Yankees were eliminated from the postseason in the AL Division Series after defeating the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card Series, Bellinger’s individual performance has positioned him for a potentially lucrative free agency.
Bellinger is one of several Yankees position players slated to become free agents this offseason, joining outfielder Trent Grisham and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.
