New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger plans to exercise his right to free agency next month, according to sources close to the player.
Bellinger, who is 30 years old, has a player option for $25 million for next season. After a comeback campaign in his first year with the Yankees, he is expected to attract significant interest in the free agent market, which could result in a lucrative multi-year contract.
The Yankees acquired Bellinger last December.
In his time with the Yankees, Bellinger became the team’s second most valuable player.
Batting behind Aaron Judge for much of the 2025 season, Bellinger hit .272 with 29 home runs and an OPS of .813 in 152 games. He was especially productive against left-handed pitchers, leading all left-handed hitters in on-base percentage (.415) and slugging (.601) against left-handed pitchers.
In addition, he was one of the best defenders in the sport, accumulating seven Outs Above Average and eight Defensive Runs Saved among the three outfield positions and first base. He added 13 steals in 15 attempts. His 4.9 fWAR tied him with Kyle Schwarber for 18th in the Major Leagues and second on the Yankees, behind Judge.
Bellinger signed a three-year, $80 million contract with the Cubs before the 2024 season, with opt-out options after the first and second year. He had rejected the Cubs’ qualifying offer earlier in the offseason.
Other Yankees players expected to hit free agency include outfielder Trent Grisham, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, and relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver.
