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Yankees Finalize Cody Bellinger’s Five-Year, $162.5 Million Deal as Attention Turns to Pitching and Prospect Moves

The front-loaded contract with two opt-outs pushes New York’s luxury-tax payroll past $317 million.

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 23: Edmundo Sosa #33 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Harrison Bader #2, Weston Wilson #37 and Alec Bohm #28 after hitting a three run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on August 23, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Nationals 6-4. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Luis Severino #40 of the Athletics pitching in the top of the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Sutter Health Park on September 13, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Justine Willard/Athletics/Getty Images)
Oct 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Harrison Bader (2) is hit by a pitch in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game one of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Cody Bellinger’s deal is official at five years and $162.5 million, includes a $20 million signing bonus, a full no-trade clause, and opt-outs after 2027 and 2028.
  • General manager Brian Cashman’s remark that Spencer Jones could be “pried away” has intensified discussion about trading top outfield prospects.
  • One analyst proposal suggests sending Jasson Dominguez to the Rays for pitchers Drew Rasmussen and Garrett Cleavinger, though this is presented as an idea rather than active talks.
  • The Yankees’ most-cited needs before spring training are rotation innings, bullpen help, and first-base depth, with Gerrit Cole returning from Tommy John surgery and Carlos Rodón expected to open on the injured list.
  • Within the AL East, reports indicate the Blue Jays fortified their pitching but missed on big bats and are likely done with major additions for now.