Cody Bellinger Opts Out of Yankees Deal, Enters Free Agency After Strong Season

Cody Bellinger is officially re-entering free agency, opting out of the final season of his New York Yankees contract, which would have paid him $25 million. This triggers a $5 million buyout from the Yankees, partially covered by the Chicago Cubs. His original three-year, $80 million deal with the Cubs included opt-outs, allowing him to test the market after a disappointing initial stint. Now, he returns to free agency following a strong year with the Yankees, who acquired him last offseason. As a Yankee, the 30-year-old hit well-above average, posted 29 homers—his most since his 2019 MVP season—and recorded a career-low 13.7% whiff rate, while providing valuable defense across all three outfield spots and first base. Bellinger praised his "unbelievable time" with the Yankees. He is expected to be a top outfield free agent, with the Yankees an obvious suitor despite their other offseason challenges and uncertain outfield beyond Aaron Judge.