Cody Bellinger is staying in the Bronx.
After months of speculation and a free agency saga that had him linked to the Mets, Blue Jays, Dodgers, and Cubs, Bellinger has agreed to a five-year, $162.5 million deal with the New York Yankees. The contract includes a full no-trade clause, a $20 million signing bonus, and opt-outs after the second and third seasons - a structure that gives Bellinger both security and flexibility as he enters his age-30 season.
This is a major win for the Yankees, who had been relatively quiet this offseason. While other teams made splashy moves, New York stayed patient - and now they’ve locked down one of their most productive players from last season.
Bellinger’s 2025 campaign was a statement year: 5.1 bWAR, 29 homers, and 152 games played. It was his most complete season since his 2019 MVP run with the Dodgers and a clear sign that he’s rediscovered the swing - and confidence - that once made him one of baseball’s brightest stars.
This deal not only solidifies the Yankees’ outfield but also gives their lineup a proven left-handed bat with power, athleticism, and postseason experience. And perhaps most importantly, it shows a commitment to building around players who’ve already proven they can thrive in the New York pressure cooker.
Bellinger’s journey to this point hasn’t been smooth. After lighting up the league in 2019, his production dipped sharply.
In 2021, he posted a -1.6 bWAR, and even though 2022 was a slight improvement (1.3 bWAR, .210/.265/.389, 19 homers), the Dodgers chose to move on. That opened the door for a fresh start in Chicago, and he made the most of it with a strong 2023.
But after a middling 2024, the Cubs moved him at the deadline - and the Yankees pounced.
That midseason pickup turned out to be one of New York’s shrewder moves in recent memory. Bellinger not only stabilized the outfield but gave the Yankees a consistent presence in the heart of the order. Now, they’re doubling down on that investment.
With Bellinger back in pinstripes, the Yankees can turn their attention to other areas of need. The bullpen still needs reinforcements, and there’s room for improvement in the lower half of the lineup. While the Blue Jays may have the edge in terms of roster depth at the moment, the Yankees still have time to make moves before Opening Day - and now they’ve got one of their cornerstone bats locked in.
This isn’t just a free agency win. It’s a statement of intent. The Yankees believe in Bellinger’s resurgence, and they’re betting big that his best baseball is still ahead.