Cody Bellinger to Test Free Agent Market After Opting Out of Yankees Deal
Key Moments
After a bounce-back 2025 season with the New York Yankees, outfielder Cody Bellinger has decided to opt out of his contract and test the free agent market this offseason. Bellinger, who was acquired in a salary dump from the Chicago Cubs prior to the 2025 campaign, put together a 5-WAR season in the Bronx, his best performance since winning the NL MVP award in 2019.
Player Impact
Bellinger's decision to opt out comes as no surprise, as the 30-year-old will likely command a lucrative multi-year deal on the open market. The Yankees had hoped to retain Bellinger long-term, but his strong showing this past season has priced him out of their plans. His departure leaves a void in the New York outfield that will need to be addressed.
Meanwhile, the Yankees' focus this offseason will likely shift to re-signing superstar Aaron Judge, who is entering the final year of his contract. Judge's future with the organization remains a top priority, as the team attempts to build a championship-caliber roster around the AL MVP candidate.
TL;DR
- Cody Bellinger is opting out of his contract with the Yankees and will test free agency
- Bellinger had a bounce-back 5-WAR season in 2025, his best since winning the NL MVP in 2019
- His departure leaves a hole in the Yankees' outfield that will need to be addressed
- Re-signing Aaron Judge remains the top offseason priority for the organization