Cody Bellinger Makes Bold Move: Why He’s Opting Out and What It Means for His Future

Cody Bellinger is making headlines by opting out of his $25 million player option, officially becoming a free agent, as reported by ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. After a noteworthy season with the Yankees, he’s poised to explore new opportunities in the market. Bellinger will pocket a $5 million buyout, half of which will be covered by the Cubs.

Bellinger’s journey to the Yankees has been a topic of discussion for years. After struggling in 2024, he declined his first chance to opt out of his three-year deal. The Cubs had traded him to New York in what can be described as a salary dump after acquiring Kyle Tucker for their lineup needs. In the trade, the Yankees took on $47.5 million of Bellinger’s remaining $52.5 million contract, costing them $27.5 million for one season.

Despite the Yankees’ disappointing exit in the recent Division Series, Bellinger’s performance was impressive. He batted .272 with 29 home runs—his best single-season total since his MVP year in 2019. His ability to adjust has been notable, as he cut his strikeout rate to a career-low 13.7%.

One interesting aspect to consider is how Bellinger’s left-handed swing fits Yankee Stadium. At home, he thrived, with a batting average of .302 and a .544 slugging percentage. However, his numbers on the road were merely average, which raises questions about his performance elsewhere.

Bellinger’s recent stats show some concerning trends. He’s been in the bottom tier for average exit velocity over the past three years, a shift from the harder hits he made earlier in his career before a shoulder injury affected his performance.

Now at 30, Bellinger is in a strong position to seek a multi-year deal. Analyst opinions suggest he might attract offers ranging from $100 million to $150 million, especially when compared to others in his position, like Anthony Santander, who signed for around $69 million last winter.

What does this mean for Bellinger? Returning to free agency means he needs to stand out. The Cubs gave him a qualifying offer, which could complicate things for other teams looking to sign him. The Yankees, on the other hand, might extend a qualifying offer to another player, Trent Grisham.

Moving forward, Bellinger’s decisions and performance will be watched closely, especially on social media, where fans express their support and curiosity about where he might land next. The trade and free agency landscapes are always dynamic, and how Bellinger navigates them could reshape teams’ rosters next season.



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