Cody Bellinger, Yankees Agree to 5-Year, $162.5M Deal: A Bronx Reunion That Just Makes Sense
Cody Bellinger is staying in pinstripes - and this time, for the long haul. The 30-year-old outfielder has reportedly agreed to a five-year, $162.5 million deal with the New York Yankees, complete with opt-outs after the 2027 and 2028 seasons and a full no-trade clause. It’s a commitment that speaks volumes on both sides: the Yankees are betting big on Bellinger’s resurgence, and Bellinger is banking on Yankee Stadium continuing to bring out the best in his bat.
This isn’t Bellinger’s first rodeo as a free agent, and his recent journey has been anything but linear. After winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2017 and MVP honors in 2019, Bellinger hit a rough patch that saw him non-tendered by the Dodgers following the 2022 season. His production had cratered - a .542 OPS in 2021 followed by a .654 OPS in 2022 - and L.A. made the tough call to move on.
That set the stage for a 2023 prove-it deal with the Cubs, who signed him for one year at $17.5 million. And prove it he did. Bellinger bounced back in a big way, posting an .881 OPS and a 4.8 bWAR season that reminded everyone just how dynamic he can be when healthy and locked in.
But even after that strong showing, the 2023-24 offseason didn’t exactly spark a bidding war. Bellinger lingered on the market well into spring training before re-signing with Chicago on a three-year, $80 million deal that included opt-outs after each of the first two seasons.
Then came another dip. In 2024, Bellinger’s production cooled - a .266/.325/.426 slash line that didn’t quite live up to the previous year’s promise.
The Cubs decided to cut bait, trading him to the Yankees after the season and even covering $5 million of his salary to make the deal work. In return, they received right-hander Cody Poteet.
And that’s when things clicked again.
In 2025, Bellinger found his rhythm in the Bronx, slashing .272/.334/.480 over 152 games and racking up a 5.1 bWAR. His left-handed swing played beautifully in Yankee Stadium, where he posted a .909 OPS at home - a stark contrast to his .715 mark on the road. That kind of home-field advantage isn’t just a nice bonus; it’s a legitimate value-add for both player and team.
So it’s no surprise that this reunion came together. For Bellinger, returning to a ballpark that plays to his strengths - and to a team that clearly values what he brings - made all the sense in the world. For the Yankees, bringing him back solidifies their outfield and adds a layer of versatility that could prove crucial over a long season.
Yes, technically this move pushes Jasson Domínguez out of the starting lineup - at least for now. But with Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge carrying significant injury histories, and with Trent Grisham and Ben Rice still unproven as everyday big-league bats, Bellinger’s ability to play all three outfield spots - plus first base - gives the Yankees a Swiss Army knife they can deploy wherever the need arises.
This deal isn’t just about numbers. It’s about fit.
It’s about timing. And it’s about a player who’s shown he can rise to the moment when the lights are brightest - especially in the Bronx.