Overview

• MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand projects Bellinger will decline his $25 million 2026 player option to pursue a long-term deal.
• In his first season with New York, Bellinger has produced an OPS above .800 with more than 25 home runs and a notably low strikeout total.
• Feinsand identified the Astros and Phillies as plausible bidders if Bellinger reaches the open market, with a return to the Yankees not ruled out.
• Newsweek reports the Mets could also enter the mix given their spending power and positional flexibility for Bellinger at first base or in the outfield.
• The Yankees can keep Bellinger only if he opts in or by negotiating a richer contract, while MLB.com’s Thomas Harrigan notes his late-season performance could boost his market.