Cody Bellinger is officially back in pinstripes - and by the sound of it, the reunion with the Yankees was always on the horizon.
After finalizing a $162.5 million deal to return to the Bronx, Bellinger spoke with reporters on Monday and gave some insight into how the process unfolded. And while free agency can be a rollercoaster, Bellinger made it clear he was never rattled.
“I’ve been through it a few times,” he said, brushing off any talk of nerves. “You work your whole life to be in a situation like that… you never want to sell yourself short.”
He called the decision to return to New York a “no-brainer” once the details were worked out - and there was a clear sense of gratitude in his voice. “I’m grateful to be back.”
This wasn’t a drawn-out saga or a dramatic standoff. According to Bellinger, the process was smooth, grounded in steady conversations with his agent, Scott Boras.
“We were in constant communication,” he said. “I called him all the time, and he was always there to answer my questions.”
That steady back-and-forth helped Bellinger stay locked in on what mattered: finding the right fit. And for him, that meant staying with the Yankees - a team he made an immediate impact with last season.
In his first year in the Bronx, Bellinger posted a .272 batting average, launched 29 home runs, and drove in 98 RBIs. He brought a much-needed left-handed presence to the lineup and gave the Yankees a dynamic mix of power, athleticism, and veteran poise.
"When the decision came, it was a no-brainer for me. Grateful to be back."
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) February 16, 2026
Cody Bellinger talks about returning to the Yankees: pic.twitter.com/05exsizATg
New York finished the regular season at 94-68, good enough for second in the AL East. But their playoff run ended earlier than hoped, falling to the Blue Jays in the divisional round. Now, with Bellinger locked in for the long haul, the Yankees are banking on continuity - and the kind of production that made him a cornerstone in 2025 - to help push them deeper into October.
For Bellinger, that challenge is one he’s embracing. He’s been through the highs and lows of this league, from MVP seasons to injury setbacks and everything in between. But now, with a fresh deal and a familiar clubhouse, he’s ready to run it back - and maybe this time, take it even further.