An undated picture of Cody Bellinger. — Instagram/ cody_bellinger
The New York Yankees have officially made a comeback with Cody Bellinger, following a five-year contract they signed with two player opt-outs of the former National League MVP on Monday.
The Yankees did not disclose financial details, but several reports last Wednesday showed Bellinger will sign a five-year, 162.5 million contract with optout after the second and third seasons with a complete no trade clause and a $20 million signing bonus.
Bellinger declined his player option of 25 million dollars in the year 2026 and became a free agent represented by agent Scott Boras.
Ending up with the Yankees in a trade with the Chicago Cubs (sending right-hander Cody Poteet in the deal) in December 2024, Bellinger is 30.
In 2024, he signed a three-year, 80 million contract with the Cubs, with opt-outs after the first and second year.
Last season, Bellinger hit 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 13 steals with a batting average of 272.
This was his first appearance in 152 games since his 2019 MVP season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The all-purpose defender played 38 games in the middle infield, 48 games in right, 59 games in left, and three games at first base in the regular season.