BREAKING: In a significant move for the New York Yankees, outfielder Cody Bellinger has confirmed he will opt out of his $25 million contract and enter free agency next month, according to sources close to the situation. This decision comes after a stellar rebound season where Bellinger showcased his skills in pinstripes, making him a hot commodity on the open market.
Bellinger, who turned 30 this year, had an impressive performance in the 2025 MLB season. He batted .272, smacked 29 home runs, and achieved an .813 OPS over 152 games. His ability to thrive behind Aaron Judge in the batting order and his exceptional defensive skills—recording seven Outs Above Average and eight Defensive Runs Saved—have solidified his reputation.
The Yankees acquired Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs last December as part of a strategic pivot from pursuing Juan Soto. What was once seen as a salary dump for the Cubs has turned into a pivotal acquisition for the Yankees, with Bellinger emerging as their second-most valuable player this season.
Bellinger’s 4.9 fWAR ranked him tied for 18th in the majors, second only to Judge in the Yankees lineup. His standout performance against left-handed pitching, leading the league in on-base percentage at .415 and slugging at .601, is expected to attract significant interest as he heads into free agency.
In addition to Bellinger, other Yankees players likely to hit free agency include outfielder Trent Grisham, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, and relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver. The Yankees are now faced with the challenge of building a competitive roster around their core talent, including Judge, to secure a championship title.
As Bellinger prepares to test the waters of free agency, fans and analysts alike are keenly watching how this decision will affect the Yankees’ offseason strategy and future trajectory. The upcoming negotiations will be critical in shaping the team’s landscape for the next several years.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.