Cody Bellinger, the talented outfielder, has decided to opt out of his contract with the New York Yankees, according to New York Post columnist Jon Heyman. Bellinger’s decision comes after he had one year and $25 million remaining on his deal. Instead of honoring the contract, he will take a $5 million buyout.
Previously, Bellinger had signed a three-year, $80 million contract with the Chicago Cubs ahead of the 2024 season, which included opt-out clauses after each year. After a modest performance in 2024, he was traded to the Yankees for Cody Poteet, with the Cubs contributing $2.5 million toward his 2025 salary. This amounted to a $5 million payout now that he has chosen to forgo the contract.
Bellinger had a notable comeback season with the Yankees in 2025, showcasing his skills at Yankee Stadium by hitting 29 home runs, the most he has achieved since earning the NL MVP title in 2019. With a batting line of .272/.334/.480 and a reputation as a strong defender, his impressive performance made the decision to opt out straightforward. As he enters free agency at the age of 30, he remains versatile, capable of playing all three outfield positions and first base. His agent is expected to seek a multi-year deal worth more than $100 million.
Importantly, Bellinger will not be eligible for a qualifying offer due to having already received one from the Cubs, meaning that the Yankees will not receive any compensation if he signs with another team. Bellinger is among several top hitters, including Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso, who are navigating free agency after opting out.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Bellinger aims for a more successful free agency than in past years, having faced challenges due to injuries that led to the Dodgers releasing him after the 2022 season. He then secured a one-year deal with the Cubs for 2023, which culminated in him winning the NL Comeback Player of the Year award.
As the Yankees look ahead to a potential reshaping of their outfield for the 2026 season, Bellinger’s departure leaves room for new opportunities. While they retain Aaron Judge and Jasson Dominguez, uncertainties loom over the remaining roster spots. Young prospect Spencer Jones could step up to fill the void, bringing a much-needed power/speed dynamic. Another possibility for the Yankees is Trent Grisham, who may attract a qualifying offer after a stellar season, providing New York with further depth in the outfield.
Overall, Bellinger’s decision to opt out opens new doors not just for him, but also for the Yankees as they consider their options in what could be a transformative off-season.