Cody Bellinger Is Staying With Yankees In $162 Million Deal

The New York Yankees have brought back one of their best players from the 2025 team.

Cody Bellinger has agreed to a five-year, $162 million contract. The contract includes a no-trade clause and two opt-outs. The opt-outs are scheduled for after the 2027 and 2028 seasons, but can be moved back in the event of a 2027 lockout.

Bellinger had one of his best seasons ever in 2025. He finished 14th in American League MVP voting with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs. 

Bellinger was drafted by the Dodgers in the 2013 MLB draft. He made his debut in 2017. He made the All-Star team and won National League Rookie of the Year.

2019 was by far the best year of his career. He led the NL with an 8.7 WAR. He was named the National League MVP at the end of the season. 

The next three seasons were riddled with injuries and inconsistency. After the 2022 season, Bellinger was non-tendered by the Dodgers.

The Chicago Cubs picked him up in the offseason. He had a strong bounce-back season with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs. The Cubs signed him to a three-year extension.

After the first season of this new deal, he was traded to the Yankees. He provided them with much-needed lineup protection for Aaron Judge and played great defense at all three outfield spots and first base. 

He opted out of the final year of his contract. After much negotiation, the Yankees and Bellinger came to an agreement.

The Yankees will enter spring training with largely the same roster as last season. Every hitter projected to make the Opening Day roster was on last season’s roster. The Yankees will likely need Bellinger’s versatility since they have several players who deserve playing time. 

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Article by Matthew Mendives