Cody Bellinger Signs Major Contract with New York Yankees
Cody Bellinger has officially finalized a significant contract with the New York Yankees, marking his commitment to the team for the next five years in a deal valued at $162.5 million, according to a source with knowledge of the discussions. This agreement comes after Bellinger was the final top hitter on the free-agent market to secure a contract. The information was shared under conditions of anonymity due to the requirement of passing a physical examination as part of the agreement.
Contract Details
As part of the terms, Bellinger will receive a signing bonus of $20 million and will have a complete no-trade clause included in his contract. Additionally, he retains the option to become a free agent after either the 2027 or 2028 seasons. However, notably, should there be a work stoppage resulting in unplayed games in 2027, these opt-out provisions would be pushed back accordingly.
Bellinger’s Impact and Performance
Acquired by the Yankees from the Chicago Cubs in December 2024, Bellinger has made a notable impact in his first season with New York. He played in 149 games across the outfield and took on seven appearances at first base, boasting a solid .272 batting average, 29 home runs, and 98 RBIs over the last season, with standout performances at Yankee Stadium where he hit .302 with 18 home runs and 55 RBIs.
Career Highlights
Bellinger’s baseball pedigree is notable; he is the son of former Yankees player Clay Bellinger. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his talents, winning the National League Rookie of the Year in 2017 and the NL MVP award in 2019. With a career batting average of .261, he has hit 225 home runs and accumulated 695 RBIs over eight seasons spanning his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2018 to 2022, the Cubs in 2023 and 2024, and now with the Yankees.
Previous Contracts
Previously, Bellinger earned $57.5 million through a three-year, $80 million deal he signed with the Cubs before the 2024 season. He turned down a $25 million option for 2026, opting instead for a $5 million buyout, which paved the way for his move to the Yankees.
