Cody Bellinger wants to leave the Yankees

The Bronx Bombers are starting to unravel. After being knocked out of the Division Series by the Toronto Blue Jays, the Yankees are bracing for their first major roster shakeup—Cody Bellinger is heading to free agency.

According to a report from MLB.com, Bellinger has declined his $25 million player option for the 2026 season, making him a free agent. The 30-year-old outfielder originally signed a three-year deal with the Chicago Cubs in 2024, which included that final-year option. The Yankees acquired him in a December trade last year, sending pitcher Cody Poteet to Chicago in return.

Stellar season in pinstripes

In his lone season in New York, Bellinger delivered a strong performance. The Scottsdale, Arizona native racked up 160 hits in 656 plate appearances, finishing with a .272 batting average, 29 home runs, and 98 RBIs.

He missed just 10 of the Yankees’ 162 regular-season games and proved his versatility by playing all three outfield positions, along with seven appearances at first base when Paul Goldschmidt was sidelined.

Bellinger betting on himself

So why walk away from $25 million? Simple—Bellinger believes he’s worth more. And he might be right. According to Spotrac, the Scott Boras-represented slugger is projected to land a six-year, $180 million deal—averaging $30 million per season.

To date, “Belly” has earned an estimated $114.7 million over his career with the Dodgers, Cubs, and Yankees. If the projections hold, his next contract could more than double that total.

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