Cody Bellinger is back in pinstripes. On Wednesday afternoon, the New York Yankees and Bellinger agreed to terms on a five-year, $162.5 million deal that includes opt-outs after the second and third years. It also includes a $20 million signing bonus and a full no-trade clause.
The Crown Jewel Remaining
Bellinger was the most coveted free agent left on the market, especially after Kyle Tucker joined the Los Angeles Dodgers and Bo Bichette signed with the New York Mets. He reportedly had interest from both the Yankees and Mets, but, after the Mets traded for outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night, it became increasingly likely that Bellinger would return to the Bronx.
In 2025, his first season with the Yankees, Bellinger enjoyed his best campaign since he won the National League MVP award in 2019. He played in 152 games, while hitting .272 with an .813 OPS. He also hit 29 home runs and recorded 98 RBI.
In the outfield, Bellinger had arguably the best season of his career. The nine-year veteran accumulated an outs-above-average of seven, which ranked in the 93rd percentile. He also recorded a fielding-run-value of nine, which helped him post a WAR of 5.0, his highest since 2019.
Bellinger’s 2026 Outlook
By re-signing Cody Bellinger, the Yankees have retained all three members of their 2025 starting outfield in Bellinger, Trent Grisham, and Aaron Judge. They also have Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones on the 40-man roster as depth.
Bellinger has the versatility to play all three outfield positions. In 2025, he played 85 games in left field, 52 in right field, and 41 in center field. However, he’ll likely start in left field on Opening Day.
Where It All Started
The Yankees originally acquired Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs via trade in December 2024. The return was light since Bellinger was only under contract for one more season, as the Yankees gave up pitcher Cody Poteet in return.
Bellinger made his major league debut in 2017, hitting 39 home runs and 97 RBI in 132 games as the Dodgers made their first World Series appearance since 1988. He followed that up with another strong season in 2018, before exploding for 47 home runs, 115 RBI, a 1.035 OPS, and a 9.0 WAR in 2019. He edged out Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich for the MVP award and seemed destined for greatness.
Unfortunately, Bellinger was never able to reach those same heights. In fact, only two years after his MVP campaign, Bellinger posted a -1.5 WAR and a measly .542 OPS. He spent one more season with the Dodgers before joining the Cubs in 2023 on a three-year deal and effectively revitalized his career.
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