Cody Bellinger opts out of Yankees contract, forgoing $25M

Cody Bellinger has formally opted out of his contract with the New York Yankees and is a free agent, forgoing the remaining $25 million on his deal, team and league sources confirmed Monday. The move comes after a breakout 2025 season in New York in which the 30 year old outfielder played 152 regular season games, hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs, and posted a 5.0 bWAR while playing all three outfield positions and occasionally first base.

Bellinger’s decision to test the open market ends his one year in the Bronx after he was acquired from the Chicago Cubs last winter. He had signed a three year, $80 million contract with the Cubs prior to 2024 that included opt outs. After the trade, Bellinger became a central piece of the Yankees lineup, producing an .813 OPS overall and showing particularly strong numbers at Yankee Stadium, where he hit .302 with 18 homers and a .909 OPS compared with a .241 average and .715 OPS on the road.

There is expected to be interest from multiple clubs, including the Yankees, who remain a logical reunion candidate if they choose to pursue a long term deal. Team officials have expressed appreciation for Bellinger’s clubhouse fit and defensive...