Cody Bellinger stays with the Yankees, agrees to $162.5 million, 5-year
contract, AP source says
[January 22, 2026]
By RONALD BLUM
Cody Bellinger became the last of the top free-agent
hitters to reach a deal, agreeing Wednesday to stay with the New York
Yankees for a $162.5 million, five-year contract, a person familiar with
the negotiations told The Associated Press.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement was
subject to a successful physical. |
New York Yankees' Cody Bellinger runs the bases after hitting a home run
during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File) |
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Bellinger gets a $20 million signing bonus payable on April 1,
$32.5 million in the first two seasons, $25.8 million in the
next two and $25.9 million in 2030. He also has a full no-trade
provision.
Bellinger has the right to opt out after the 2027 or 2028
seasons to become a free agent again, but if there is a work
stoppage that leads to no games being played in 2027, the
agreement specifies the opt outs will shift to after the 2027
and 2028 seasons.
A two-time All-Star acquired by the Yankees from the Chicago
Cubs in December 2024, Bellinger hit .272 with 29 homers and 98
RBIs last year — including .302 with 18 homers and 55 RBIs at
Yankee Stadium. A left-handed hitter, he played in 149 games in
the outfield and seven at first base in his first season since
2022 without a stint on the injured list.
He is a son of former Yankee Clay Bellinger.
Voted the 2017 National League Rookie of the Year and 2019 NL
MVP, Bellinger has a .261 average with 225 homers and 695 RBIs
in eight seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2018-22), Cubs
(2023-24) and the Yankees.
He earned $57.5 million from the $80 million, three-year
contract he reached with the Cubs before the 2024 season.
Bellinger declined a $25 million option for 2026 in favor of a
$5 million buyout.
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