Cody Bellinger has exercised his opt-out clause with the New York Yankees, entering free agency ahead of the 2026 season following a strong performance in his debut year with the team. The 30-year-old outfielder, known for his turbulent career trajectory, now seeks a long-term deal amid interest from multiple clubs. His recent consistency has solidified his value as a versatile contributor.
Cody Bellinger's path to free agency echoes his rollercoaster career. Non-tendered by the Los Angeles Dodgers after dismal 2021 and 2022 seasons—where he hit .165 amid injuries including a dislocated shoulder requiring surgery in fall 2020, a hairline leg fracture, hamstring issue, and fractured rib—he signed a one-year, $17.5 million deal with the Chicago Cubs, including a buyout. His 2023 rebound earned him a three-year, $80 million contract with two opt-outs and down-ballot MVP votes.
After a solid but unremarkable 2024, Bellinger opted to stay with the Cubs rather than test the market, leading to a trade to the Yankees primarily to offload his remaining contract. In 2025, he thrived in the Bronx, posting a 125 OPS+ and 14% strikeout rate, contributing to his decision to opt out.
Over the last three seasons (2023-2025), Bellinger has been a reliable above-average hitter, slashing .281/.338/.477 with a 125 OPS+—tied for 40th among qualified hitters, comparable to Julio Rodríguez and Jose Altuve—and accumulating 11.4 FanGraphs WAR, tied for 30th. His low strikeout rates (16% in 2023 and 2024, 14% in 2025) highlight his contact skills, though bat speed (20th percentile) and hard-hit rate (26th percentile) remain modest. Park effects were pronounced: an OPS 194 points higher at Yankee Stadium than on the road in 2025, versus 97 points lower at Wrigley Field in 2024. As noted in November, “at home, he hit something like Juan Soto. On the road, it was more like Miguel Vargas.”
Defensively versatile across outfield spots and first base, Bellinger rated okay in 2023-24 but very good in 2025. Projections for 2026 forecast a bat 10% above average and about 3 WAR, placing him near the back of the top 20 outfielders.
Comparisons include Pete Alonso (130 OPS+, 8.4 WAR over three years; signed five-year, $155 million with Baltimore) and Josh Naylor (.280/.341/.468, 8.1 WAR; five-year, $92.5 million with Seattle), with Bellinger's stats eerily similar to Naylor's but bolstered by superior defense and positional flexibility. Potential fits include the Yankees' hitter-friendly park, the Phillies' outfield needs, or a Dodgers return. Signed late with the Cubs on February 27, 2024, Bellinger prioritizes stability after years of uncertainty.
