The New York Yankees have re-signed outfielder Cody Bellinger to a five-year, $162.5 million deal, aiming to build on last season's momentum after an early playoff exit. Bellinger expressed enthusiasm for returning to the team he credits with strong chemistry and winning culture. General manager Brian Cashman highlighted the agreement as a key offseason priority.
In the wake of their American League Division Series loss, the Yankees' clubhouse harbors optimism for a stronger 2026 campaign. Aaron Judge captured this sentiment shortly after the final out, stating the team would like to “run ‘em back and see what happens.” The re-signing of Cody Bellinger stands as the cornerstone of their offseason strategy, securing the 30-year-old versatile player who was acquired from the Chicago Cubs in a December 2024 salary dump. During his debut season in pinstripes, Bellinger posted a .272/.334/.480 slash line with a 125 OPS+, including 25 doubles, 29 home runs, and 98 RBIs over 152 games. Manager Aaron Boone utilized his skills across all three outfield spots and first base, praising him as “that true, versatile player that can go be really successful all over the diamond.” This return may challenge opportunities for prospects Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones in left field, though Boone noted, “We have a lot of really good players. And Jasson and Spencer are part of that.” Bellinger, speaking on a Zoom conference Wednesday, voiced his attachment to the group: “I really do love the group that we had. We had a special, special unit. We had great chemistry... I’m excited to run it back with those guys.” Negotiations with agent Scott Boras sought six or seven years, but the sides settled on five with two opt-outs and front-loaded salaries. Cashman described the process as negotiating with “a titan in Scott Boras,” crediting managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner and team president Randy Levine for enabling the deal. The Yankees also retained Trent Grisham on a $22.025 million qualifying offer, along with Tim Hill ($3 million), Amed Rosario ($2.5 million), Ryan Yarbrough ($2.5 million), and Paul Blackburn ($2 million). They acquired left-hander Ryan Weathers from the Miami Marlins on January 13 to bolster the rotation until Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole recover from injuries. Cashman emphasized changes ahead: “It’s going to be some differences, and the competition is going to be different, too... Our division is the best in baseball.” Bellinger opted out of World Baseball Classic preparations, prioritizing Yankees success: “I owe it to the Steinbrenner family and the Yankee organization to... try to win a championship.”
