Report: OF Cody Bellinger to opt out of Yankees' contract

Field Level Media|published: Fri 10th October, 12:22 2025

MLB: Playoffs-New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays

Oct 5, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game two of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger plans to opt out of his contract and enter free agency next month, ESPN reported Friday.

Bellinger, 30, has a $25 million player option for 2026 but reportedly is looking for a more lucrative, long-term deal coming off a strong season.

Bellinger batted .272 with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs and 13 steals in 152 games, his most games since his 2019 All-Star campaign with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He added a homer and four RBIs in seven playoff games.

The versatile defender started 38 games in center field, 48 in right and 59 in left, in addition to three games at first base during the regular season.

Bellinger joined the Yankees in a trade last December that sent right-hander Cody Poteet to the Chicago Cubs. He signed a three-year, $80 million deal with the Cubs before the 2024 season that included opt-outs after the first and second years.

The two-time All-Star is a lifetime .261 hitter with 225 homers and 695 RBIs in 1,157 games with the Dodgers (2017-22), Cubs (2023-24) and Yankees. He was the National League Rookie of the Year in 2017 and the NL Most Valuable Player in 2019.

--Field Level Media