New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger plans to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract and become a free agent next month.Bellinger, 30, has a player option for $25 million for next season. After a bounce-back season in his first year with the Yankees, he will presumably receive significant interest in free agency, which should generate a lucrative multi-year contract.The Yankees acquired Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs last December. For the Cubs, it was a salary dump days after acquiring Kyle Tucker.For the Yankees, it was part of the quick turnaround from Juan Soto. In the end, the 2019 NL MVP ended up being their second most valuable player.Batting behind Aaron Judge for most of the season, Bellinger hit .272 with 29 home runs and an OPS of .813 in 152 games in 2025. He was especially productive against left-handed pitchers despite batting left-handed, leading all left-handed hitters in on-base percentage (.415) and slugging (.601) against lefties.He was also one of the best defenders in the sport: Bellinger accumulated seven Outs Above Average and eight Defensive Runs Saved across the three outfield positions and first base. He added 13 steals in 15 attempts. His 4.9 fWAR tied Kyle Schwarber for 18th in the Major Leagues and second on the Yankees behind Judge.Bellinger signed a three-year, $80 million contract, with opt-out options after the first and second year, with the Cubs before the 2024 season. He had rejected the Cubs’ qualifying offer earlier in the offseason.Other Yankees expected to hit free agency include outfielder Trent Grisham, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, and relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver.
