NEW YORK — Cody Bellinger said he would “absolutely” be open to another season with the Yankees, saying that he had “an unbelievable time putting on this uniform.”
If it happens, it’ll be under the terms of a new deal.
As expected, Bellinger exercised his contractual opt-out on Monday, turning down a guaranteed $25 million salary for the 2026 season in favor of a $5 million buyout. Bellinger will now seek a larger deal in free agency.
The 30-year-old Bellinger batted .272/.334/.480 with 89 runs, 25 doubles, five triples, 29 homers and 98 RBIs in 152 games this past season, his first year in New York after being acquired from the Cubs in exchange for right-hander Cody Poteet.
“It was a fun group to be a part of,” Bellinger said after the Yankees’ elimination in the American League Division Series. “We came up short, and that part stinks for sure, because we had a really, really good group here.”
Bellinger’s most recent contract was a three-year, $80 million pact with the Cubs that included opt-outs after each year.
The Cubs are paying $2.5 million of Bellinger’s buyout, in addition to having paid $2.5 million toward Bellinger’s 2025 salary. He is not eligible for a qualifying offer, since Bellinger received one from the Cubs after the ’23 season.
The Yankees are interested in retaining Bellinger, who appeared at all three outfield positions, as well as first base.
At present, the Bombers’ outfield would likely be comprised by some arrangement of Aaron Judge, Jasson Domínguez and possibly Spencer Jones, with Trent Grisham also having filed for free agency.
Bellinger’s athleticism, versatility and left-handed stroke made him an ideal fit in pinstripes, though those same attributes are likely to make the Scott Boras client an appealing target for many teams.
“He was an impact player for us,” general manager Brian Cashman said in October. “I’m glad we got him. He was one of the many reasons why we were in a position to believe that we were capable of great things this year, and so I thank him for everything he’s done. Certainly, we’d love to have him with our team moving forward.”
