The New York Yankees made a huge move to acquire Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger last offseason. Bellinger has been a huge piece of the Yankees’ lineup, and the Bronx Bombers would likely enjoy having him in pinstripes for years to come.
But Bellinger has an opt-out in his contract, and the expectation is he’ll use it to hit free agency again this coming winter.
MLB’s Mark Feinsand recently listed the Yankees as one of the best suitors for Bellinger in free agency. Considering he’s seemingly enjoying his time in pinstripes, it wouldn’t be a stretch to assume the Yankees are the favorites to sign him if he opts out of his current contract.
“Bellinger is in the second year of a three-year, $80 million contract, though most expect him to opt out of the final year and $25 million to test free agency this winter,” Feinsand wrote. “After an uneven 2024 campaign with the Cubs, Bellinger has thrived in the Bronx, belting 24 home runs with 75 RBIs and an .823 OPS in 116 games, putting him on track for his second 4-WAR season in three years. The versatile slugger has been a perfect fit for the Yankees, but other teams could try to pry the former NL MVP away from New York with the long-term deal that has evaded him to this point.”
The Yankees should be seen as the favorites for Bellinger. He’s seemingly enjoyed his time in pinstripes, and it would be shocking to see New York outbid by any team to land the star.
Bellinger is perfectly set up in center field and in the middle of the Yankees’ lineup. As long as the front office doesn’t skimp on the money, this should be an easy free agency reunion to predict.
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