Yankees and Cody Bellinger Break Stalemate with 5-Year Contract

The New York Yankees have finalized a significant agreement with outfielder Cody Bellinger, securing him for five years and $162.5 million. This deal marks a conclusive end to ongoing negotiations that had persisted throughout the winter. Details of the contract include opt-out options after the second and third seasons, a $20 million signing bonus, and a complete no-trade clause.

Cody Bellinger’s Impact on the Yankees

Bellinger is expected to be the Yankees’ primary left fielder, signaling a shift in the team’s lineup. Last season, he played 59 games in left field, outpacing his time in other positions. His presence may lead to a diminished role for Jasson Dominguez, who struggled during his rookie year.

Performance Highlights

• Bellinger hit .272 with 29 home runs in 152 games.
• He had an on-base plus slugging (OPS) of .813.
• Against left-handed pitchers, his numbers were remarkable: a .415 on-base percentage and a .601 slugging percentage, leading all left-handed hitters.
• Defensively, he contributed seven outs above average and eight defensive runs saved across multiple positions.

With a 4.9 fWAR, Bellinger’s performance ranked him 18th overall in Major League Baseball. This mark was just shy of his exceptional 7.8 fWAR achieved during his MVP season in 2019.

From Rookie to a Major Contract

Bellinger’s career has seen its share of ups and downs. He burst onto the scene with the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2017 and earning MVP honors two years later. However, an injury suffered during the 2020 World Series set back his performance.

Following a series of injuries, Bellinger recorded a disappointing .203 batting average and a .648 OPS over three seasons, resulting in the Dodgers not renewing his contract after 2022. He later signed with the Chicago Cubs for a one-year deal worth $17.5 million.

Health restored, he thrived with the Cubs, boasting a .307 average and 26 home runs, which placed him 10th in NL MVP voting. His recent success set the stage for his current contract with the Yankees, the largest of his Major League career.

Conclusion

The Yankees’ commitment to Bellinger reflects their evaluation of his talent and potential upside moving forward. He joins a roster strengthened by multiple re-signings, including outfielder Trent Grisham and others. As Bellinger aims to capitalize on this new chapter, the Yankees hope to enhance their competitiveness in the upcoming season.