The New York Yankees and free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger have come to terms on a new 5 year, $162.5M contract on Wednesday.
The deal ends a standoff between the two sides, and finalizes what was widely reported as the most likely outcome for several months now. Bellinger’s new contract will feature opt outs after the 2nd and 3rd season, and a full no trade clause in addition to a $20M signing bonus.
Bellinger’s camp, represented by super agent Scott Boras, were holding out hope of securing a 7 year deal, while New York was insisting that they wouldn’t pay a dime over $30M a year. In the end, the two sides met in the middle with a 5 year pact that will average out to $32.5M a season.
Across 152 games last season, the 30 year old hit 29 home runs with 98 RBIs, and 89 runs scored with the Yankees. He also provided vital lineup protection for Aaron Judge, hitting behind him for most of the season, while providing above average defence in left field.
His signing continues a trend of New York returning much of the same lineup they had in 2025. Trent Grisham, Ryan Yarbrough, Amed Rosario, and Paul Blackburn also re-upped with the Bronx Bombers this winter. Most of New Yorks departures came in their bullpen with Luke Weaver and Devin Williams both joining the cross town rivals in Queens.
It also means that former top prospect Jasson Dominguez is likely going to be sent back to a utility role for the time being as well. Dominguez figured to be the club’s everyday left fielder if a new contract with Bellinger didn’t materialize.
Photo: Kanesue. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.