The Yankees and Cody Bellinger have agreed to a new five-year deal worth $162.5 million, according to reports from ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Notably, this contract has no deferrals and includes an impressive $20 million signing bonus as well as a full no-trade clause. Bellinger can opt out after the second and third seasons.
Bellinger’s return to the Yankees seemed likely given their strong performance together during his first season. However, negotiations weren’t smooth at first. Earlier reports suggested that there was some distance between Bellinger’s camp and the Yankees, with an initial offer hovering around five years and over $150 million. Bellinger’s side pushed for a seven-year deal, which caused some delays.
Meanwhile, the landscape of the market shifted significantly. The Dodgers and Mets were involved in a bidding war for Kyle Tucker, with the Dodgers coming out on top. The Mets responded by signing Bo Bichette and trading infielder Luisangel Acuña, both moves that limited options for Bellinger. These tractionless scenarios may have worked in the Yankees’ favor. They stuck with their offer and, eventually, added the opt-out options that Bellinger wanted.
While Bellinger didn’t secure the seven years he initially aimed for, he landed a deal that comes close to preseason predictions of around $140 million over five years. This arrangement provides him a stepping stone to possibly increase his earnings in the future through the opt-out clauses.
In terms of what this deal means for the Yankees, it reinforces their commitment to building a competitive team. Additionally, a survey by ESPN shows that team loyalty is a significant factor for athletes when considering contracts. Players like Bellinger often weigh their decision against how well they fit into a team’s culture and ambitions.
In summary, this deal is a significant move for both Bellinger and the Yankees as they gear up for another strong season.
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