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2h ago

Cody Bellinger To Decline Yankees Option, Enter Free Agency

A career-rebounding 2025 positions the 30-year-old for a multi-year deal without draft-pick costs to suitors.

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Oct 8, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) makes a sliding catch on a pop up by Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho (not pictured) during the first inning of game four of the ALDS round of the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • ESPN reported that Bellinger plans to decline his $25 million player option for 2026 and hit the market, with the move becoming official after the World Series.
  • He produced a .272/.334/.480 line with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs and 13 steals in 152 games, pairing that with plus defense across all three outfield spots and first base.
  • Bellinger told reporters he would welcome a return to the Bronx, signaling openness to re-signing after the Yankees’ ALDS exit.
  • League observers expect widespread interest and a lucrative multi-year contract, with the Yankees among leading suitors and teams such as the Mets, Mariners, Diamondbacks and Giants also mentioned as fits.
  • Because he previously received a qualifying offer from the Cubs, any club that signs him this offseason would not forfeit draft picks.