After weeks of speculation and negotiations, Cody Bellinger is officially headed to the Bronx. The former MVP outfielder has agreed to a five-year, $162.5 million deal with the New York Yankees, a contract that includes opt-outs after the second and third seasons-giving Bellinger the flexibility to re-enter free agency if things don’t go as planned or if he outperforms the deal early on.
While the San Francisco Giants were frequently mentioned as a possible landing spot throughout the offseason, they ultimately stayed on the sidelines. And looking at the final numbers, that might’ve been the right call.
Let’s be clear: Bellinger was the top remaining outfield bat on the market after the Dodgers locked up Kyle Tucker. If the Giants wanted to make a splash and answer L.A.’s big move, Bellinger was the obvious candidate. He brings left-handed power, Gold Glove-caliber defense, and postseason experience-traits that would’ve fit nicely in San Francisco’s lineup and outfield.
There was a brief window when it looked like the Yankees might lose their grip on Bellinger. Reports surfaced that the two sides had hit a snag in contract talks, opening the door for other teams-including, potentially, the Giants-to make a push.
The Mets were also reportedly in the mix, along with two unnamed teams. Whether or not the Giants were one of those mystery suitors remains unclear, but if they were, it’s safe to say they weren’t willing to match the Yankees' structure or price.
And that’s where things get interesting. Bellinger’s deal gives him the chance to cash in again in a couple of years if he continues to produce.
But it also puts a lot of financial weight on the front end-something that doesn’t exactly align with how the Giants have operated under Buster Posey’s leadership in the front office. Posey has been notably cautious about handing out contracts with opt-outs, preferring more team-friendly structures that preserve long-term flexibility.
There’s also the age factor. Bellinger is now on the wrong side of 30, and while he’s still capable of elite production, the risk of decline is real-especially over a five-year deal. That’s not to say he won’t be productive in the short term, but committing big money to a player whose best seasons might already be behind him is always a gamble.
From a roster standpoint, the Giants do have a glaring need in right field. Bellinger’s power would’ve played-even in pitcher-friendly Oracle Park-and his glove would’ve been a steadying force in a young outfield group. But instead of going all-in on a veteran with a big price tag, San Francisco looks poised to lean on its youth.
That means the right field job will likely fall to a group that includes Drew Gilbert, Luis Matos, Jerar Encarnacion, and Grant McCray. It’s a talented but unproven mix, and there’s no denying the risk involved. None of those names have locked down an everyday role at the big-league level yet, and expecting them to collectively hold down a key position in a division that features the Dodgers and Padres is a tall order.
Still, there’s upside. The Giants are betting on internal development and financial flexibility over star power and long-term risk. It’s not the flashiest path, but it could pay off if even one or two of their young outfielders take a leap forward.
As for Bellinger, he gets a chance to re-establish himself in a high-profile market, with the added bonus of opt-outs that could lead to another payday down the line. The Yankees get their man, the Giants stay disciplined, and now the focus shifts to how both teams will shape the rest of their rosters around these decisions.
One thing’s for sure: the NL West isn’t getting any easier, and the Giants are going to need their young core to grow up fast.