Yankees Secure Cody Bellinger with $162.5M Five-Year Deal
The New York Yankees have finalized a five-year contract with Cody Bellinger, valued at $162.5 million. This significant move reintroduces the former MVP into the Yankees’ roster, enhancing their offensive lineup.
Contract Details
Bellinger’s contract includes several key features:
- Opt-out clauses after the second and third seasons.
- A $20 million signing bonus.
- A full no-trade clause.
Cody Bellinger’s Performance
During the 2025 season, Bellinger demonstrated impressive skills, batting .272 with:
- 29 home runs
- 98 RBIs
- 25 doubles
His performance provided a vital boost to the Yankees, complementing star player Aaron Judge. Bellinger’s versatility was evident as he effectively played in all three outfield positions and at first base.
Background and Previous Teams
Bellinger, now 30, had a noteworthy journey in Major League Baseball. After initially making his mark as the National League Rookie of the Year with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017, he achieved MVP status in 2019. However, injuries and performance issues affected his subsequent seasons, leading the Dodgers to non-tender him before his arbitration year.
In 2023, he signed with the Chicago Cubs, where he rebounded to secure a top-10 MVP finish and won his second Silver Slugger award. Despite experiencing a decline in 2024, Bellinger’s impact was substantial enough to prompt a trade that allowed him to join the Yankees.
Looking Ahead
Bellinger declined a $25 million player option for 2026, opting to enter free agency. This decision ultimately paved the way for his lucrative contract with the Yankees, aiming to solidify their chances for success in the upcoming seasons.
