Cody Bellinger Declines Yankees Option, Becomes Free Agent After Productive Season

Outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger, 30, has become a free agent, declining a $25 million option for 2026 from his three-year, $80 million contract with the New York Yankees. Acquired from the Chicago Cubs last December, Bellinger earned $57.5 million from his deal and will receive a $5 million buyout paid in installments in 2026 and 2027. He batted .272 with 29 homers and 98 RBIs overall, showcasing particular success at Yankee Stadium with a .302 average, 18 homers, and 55 RBIs.