Yankees Sign Cody Bellinger

The New York Yankees have made a significant move in the free agent market.

According to various reports, the Yankees have come to an agreement with outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger on a five-year contract valued at $162.5 million. This deal includes opt-outs after the second and third years, a signing bonus of $20 million, and a full no-trade clause.

Bellinger joined the Yankees from the Chicago Cubs through a trade last offseason and seems to have fit quite well, especially notable given he was the 2019 National League MVP.

Bellinger, who is 30 years old, had a solid season, batting .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs over 152 games, while also displaying commendable defensive skills primarily in left field but also at center, right, and first base.

After a successful 2025 season, he opted out of his final contract year and entered free agency.

Interestingly, Bellinger started his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers back in 2017, quickly making a name for himself by winning the National League Rookie of the Year award and MVP honors just two years later. However, his performance declined after a World Series win in 2020, leading the Dodgers to non-tender him in 2022.

He then signed a one-year, $17.5 million contract with the Cubs to rebuild his career, going on to have a remarkable 2023 season with a .307 batting average, 26 home runs, and 97 RBIs, earning him the Silver Slugger Award.

In the following year, Bellinger signed a three-year, $80 million deal with the Cubs that also featured two opt-outs. Though he experienced a downturn in 2024 with a .266 batting average and 18 home runs, he chose not to opt out and was later traded to the Yankees.

With Bellinger back in the fold, the Yankees appear to have bolstered their outfield lineup significantly. Reigning two-time American League MVP Aaron Judge will play in right field, while Trent Grisham, who accepted a one-year qualifying offer of $22,025,000, is set for center field, leaving Bellinger in left field.