Cody Bellinger Returns to the Yankees with a $162.5 Million Contract
New York, NY – Cody Bellinger is returning to the New York Yankees after agreeing to a five-year, $162.5 million contract, as reported by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The deal secures a key player identified by General Manager Brian Cashman as a top priority during the offseason, bringing back a fan favorite who expressed a strong desire to remain with the team.
Bellinger’s initial experience with the Yankees last season left a lasting impression.”It was an incredible experience putting on this uniform,” Bellinger stated at the end of the previous season, highlighting the special atmosphere at Yankee Stadium and within the clubhouse. His admiration for the organization and his teammates was evident,fueling his expressed wish to return.
The contract includes a ample $20 million signing bonus and a full no-trade clause, providing Bellinger with notable security and control over his career. Exit clauses after the 2027 and 2028 seasons are also included, with no deferred payments.
Throughout the offseason,both Cashman and other Yankees personnel consistently voiced their interest in retaining Bellinger,recognizing his impact on the team’s performance and clubhouse dynamic. Manager Aaron Boone lauded Bellinger as a “huge impact player” and expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of his return.
negotiations weren’t without their challenges.Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, indicated interest from as many as eight teams, and the player initially sought a seven-year deal. Despite interest from other clubs, including the Dodgers and Mets who recently signed Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette respectively, Bellinger ultimately agreed to the five-year terms offered by the Yankees.
the 30-year-old outfielder enjoyed a resurgent season in 2024, hitting .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs in 152 games, posting a 5.1 WAR – his best performance as winning the National League MVP award with the Dodgers in 2019 (8.7 WAR). The Cubs initially acquired Bellinger before trading him to the Yankees, covering $2.5 million of his previous salary.
Bellinger’s return solidifies an already potent Yankees outfield, joining aaron Judge in right field and Trent Grisham in center. He also offers versatility, potentially seeing playing time at first base alongside Ben Rice.
The addition of Bellinger may also open up trade possibilities for promising young outfielders Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones.While both players represent significant potential, their major league production has been inconsistent. Dominguez has a .248 batting average in 149 games, while Jones excelled in the minors with 35 home runs and a .932 OPS, but has yet to receive a consistent chance in the majors.
As Boone noted, “If there’s ever a situation where you have to many good players for too few available spots, you figure it out.” The Yankees now have a surplus of talent and will likely explore options to maximize their roster’s potential.
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