Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger has agreed to a deal with the New York Yankees, ending a long contract saga that saw him get linked to the New York Mets, the Toronto Blue Jays, and both of his former teams — the Dodgers and Chicago Cubs.
Bellinger was the biggest fish left in free agency after Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette signed their deals, though he is now staying with the Yankees, where he had his best year since leaving the Dodgers.
He inked a five-year deal, $162.5 with the Yankees that includes a full no-trade clause, a $20 million signing bonus, and opt-outs after the second and third seasons — per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, who broke the news.
Oct 8, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) runs off the field after ending the first inning with a sliding catch against the Toronto Blue Jays during game four of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Yankees have been relatively quiet all offseason, though they get to keep one of their best players in the fold, securing his future for the time being and allowing the move to focus on other parts of the roster.
How has Bellinger done since leaving the Dodgers?
Back in 2022, his last season with the Dodgers, Bellinger posted a 1.3 bWAR with a .210/.265/.389 and 19 home runs. It was a better season than 2021, when he had a -1.6 bWAR.
He was a former MVP who was pegged as the face of the franchise following his amazing 2019, but his mechanics and mental fortitude started to spiral in Los Angeles.
The Dodgers chose to let him walk in free agency, and he found a new home with the Cubs, where he had a bounce-back 2023.
However, the Cubs dealt him following a middling 2024 season, and the Yankees picked him up, one of the better moves by the New York-based franchise recently.
He had a great 2025, posting a 5.1 bWAR over 152 games, hitting 29 home runs, his most since 2019.
What is next for the Yankees?
The Yankees still need to make more moves in the offseason, adding bullpen help and ideally targeting some value additions lower in the batting order.
They are behind the Toronto Blue Jays in terms of roster building, though there is plenty of time to swing some deals ot avoid falling short of the Jays in 2026.
Are you surprised by Bellinger staying with the Yankees? Comment down below.
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