Cody Bellinger makes a notable decision after Yankees’ season ends

Cody Bellinger is making business moves now that his team has been eliminated from the playoffs.

The New York Yankees outfielder Bellinger plans to opt out of his contract with the team and become a free agent next month, Jorge Castillo of ESPN reported on Friday. Bellinger holds a $25 million player option for 2026 but apparently will be turning that option down.

Now 30 years old, the former NL MVP Bellinger has recovered his form over the last few seasons after tailing off toward the end of his Los Angeles Dodgers tenure. In 2025, his first season with the Yankees, Bellinger batted .272 with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. Bellinger did struggle in the postseason however and hit just .188 over seven games as the Yankees fell in the ALDS to the Toronto Blue Jays.

The decision by Bellinger to opt out was expected all along given his strong overall year in 2025. Bellinger is also represented by agent Scott Boras, who is known for sending his clients into free agency.

It seems like Bellinger has more than earned himself a new multi-year contract at this point. On top of his impressive production at the plate, Bellinger continues to be a major factor in the outfield with his glove as well.

Meanwhile, it is likely that the Yankees would want Bellinger back after his nifty year as their everyday outfielder. But they could be getting a wandering eye with another one of their notable ex-outfield targets set to be a free agent this winter too.