Carlos Rodon vs. Jasson Dominguez, Cody Bellinger in Yankees’ camp
Carlos Rodon vs. Jasson Dominguez, Cody Bellinger during live BP at Yankees’ camp at Steinbrenner Field, Feb. 17.
NEW YORK – Before exiting Yankee Stadium for the last time in 2025, Cody Bellinger said he’d “absolutely’’ like to extend his career in pinstripes.
Mutual interest aside, it’s about money now.
As first reported by the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, Bellinger became a free agent on Monday, as he declined a $25 million player option for 2026, triggering a $5 million buyout.
This was anticipated, following Bellinger’s successful first season with the Yankees, batting .272 with 29 homers, 98 RBI and an .813 OPS in 152 games.
“I think the group in here is so talented…we all played for each other,’’ Bellinger said after the Blue Jays eliminated the Yanks in a four-game AL Division Series.
“It was such a fun group to be a part of. Came up short, and that part stinks for sure, because we had a really, really good group here.”
GM Brian Cashman on Cody Bellinger, free agency
Often batting behind MVP-candidate Aaron Judge, the lefty-hitting Bellinger’s 13.7 percent strikeout rate was the lowest of his career, and he batted. 353 (1.016 OPS) in 176 plate appearances against lefty pitchers.
Speaking in mid-October, GM Brian Cashman would not rate Bellinger’s target level before the team’s organizational meetings.
“But I can tell you he was really impactful for us, one of the many reasons why we were in a position to believe that we were capable of great things this year,’’ Cashman said at the Yankees’ year-end press conference.
“I thank him for everything he’s done and certainly we’d love to have him with our team moving forward,’’ said Cashman, calling Bellinger a “versatile player’’ who “helped us on both sides of the ball,’’ and “great in our clubhouse.’’
Both Judge and manager Aaron Boone expressed hope that Bellinger, 30, would be back when the 2026 team convenes at Tampa, Florida, in February.
But it’s negotiating season now, and Bellinger – a Scott Boras client – enters this free agency with more leverage than ever and unburdened by a qualifying offer, which can only be made once in a player’s career.
The Chicago Cubs previously extended a QO to Bellinger, which ties draft compensation to the signing team.
It’s in the Yankees’ best interest to make Bellinger a top offseason priority, but several teams with deep pockets could be vying for his services this time around.
Ideally, Bellinger profiles better at the corner outfield spots, but he can handle center field, where the Mets still have a need.
The disappointing Cedric Mullins is a free agent, and the Mets already cut ties with Jose Siri. What about Bellinger in an outfield between Brandon Nimmo and Juan Soto?
This would be a homecoming for Bellinger, a Rookie of the Year (2017), MVP (2019) and World Series champ (2020) with Los Angeles, the organization that drafted him out of high school in Chandler, Arizona.
Michael Conforto is a free agent coming off a rough year. He was not included on L.A.’s playoff roster, with Enrique Hernandez and Alex Call seeing time in left field this October.
Philadelphia Phillies
An outfield addition might be a necessity, with Max Kepler and Harrison Bader entering free agency, and the uncertainty around Nick Castellanos’ future in Philly.
San Diego Padres
San Diego has pitching issues to address, but some large contracts could be coming off the books, too, in free agents Dylan Cease, Luis Arraez and Michael King.
If they’re seeking an upgrade over Ramon Laureano to an outfield that boasts Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr., Bellinger might be a worthy pursuit.
Chicago Cubs
Kyle Tucker will be a prized free agent, potentially leaving a large outfield void at Wrigleyville. And many of Tucker’s out-of-luck pursuers might pivot toward Bellinger.
Bellinger spent two bounce back seasons (2023-24) with the Cubs, who traded him to the Yankees for pitcher Cody Poteet – four days after the Cubs acquired Tucker from the Astros.