Cody Bellinger has inked a five-year deal worth $162.5 million to remain with the New York Yankees, according to sources close to the negotiations.
The agreement brings an end to the search for the last top free-agent hitter, and it gives the Yankees a crucial boost in their quest for a championship run. The contract, which is subject to Bellinger's successful physical, includes a $20 million signing bonus and provides him with full no-trade protection.
Bellinger's deal has significant opt-out clauses, allowing him to become a free agent again after either the 2027 or 2028 seasons. However, in the event of a work stoppage that results in no games being played in 2027, those opt-outs will be triggered for the following season instead.
A two-time All-Star and son of former Yankee Clay Bellinger, Cody has established himself as one of the most feared hitters in the league. The left-handed outfielder enjoyed a breakout season with the Yankees last year, hitting .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs. His production was particularly impressive at Yankee Stadium, where he posted a .302 batting average with 18 homers and 55 RBIs.
Bellinger's career has been marked by numerous accolades, including the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2017 and the NL MVP prize in 2019. He has averaged a .261 batting average with 225 home runs and 695 RBIs over his nine seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees.
In his previous deal with the Cubs, Bellinger earned $57.5 million from an initial three-year contract worth $80 million. He opted out of a $25 million option for 2026 in favor of a $5 million buyout. The new agreement brings his total earnings to over $162.5 million, making him one of the highest-paid players in baseball.
The agreement brings an end to the search for the last top free-agent hitter, and it gives the Yankees a crucial boost in their quest for a championship run. The contract, which is subject to Bellinger's successful physical, includes a $20 million signing bonus and provides him with full no-trade protection.
Bellinger's deal has significant opt-out clauses, allowing him to become a free agent again after either the 2027 or 2028 seasons. However, in the event of a work stoppage that results in no games being played in 2027, those opt-outs will be triggered for the following season instead.
A two-time All-Star and son of former Yankee Clay Bellinger, Cody has established himself as one of the most feared hitters in the league. The left-handed outfielder enjoyed a breakout season with the Yankees last year, hitting .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs. His production was particularly impressive at Yankee Stadium, where he posted a .302 batting average with 18 homers and 55 RBIs.
Bellinger's career has been marked by numerous accolades, including the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2017 and the NL MVP prize in 2019. He has averaged a .261 batting average with 225 home runs and 695 RBIs over his nine seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees.
In his previous deal with the Cubs, Bellinger earned $57.5 million from an initial three-year contract worth $80 million. He opted out of a $25 million option for 2026 in favor of a $5 million buyout. The new agreement brings his total earnings to over $162.5 million, making him one of the highest-paid players in baseball.