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yesterday

Cody Bellinger Poised to Decline $25M Option Ahead of $100M-Plus Free Agency

His expected opt-out positions him for a lucrative contract that will make him the Yankees’ prime offseason retention target.

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 19: Cody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees takes the field for the bottom of the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 19, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Bellinger’s $25 million player option for 2026 carries a $5 million buyout that he is expected to decline.
  • Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors projects his free-agent contract could top $100 million on the open market.
  • The 30-year-old outfielder is slashing .276/.328/.496 with 20 home runs, 10 steals and a career-low 12.9% strikeout rate for a third straight strong season.
  • New York has deployed him at all three outfield spots and first base, where he has earned average to plus defensive grades.
  • Keeping Bellinger is the Yankees’ top offseason priority to preserve lineup consistency and roster flexibility.