Yankees Outfielder Dodges $25 Million Question About Future

Cody Bellinger isn’t ready to talk about the future yet. After years of talking about how the son of the former Yankees’ utility player Clay Bellinger would be a perfect fit at Yankee Stadium, Bellinger is going out there and proving it. Friday Night’s three-home run game against his former Cubs teammates, was just the exclamation point on how well he fits in the Bronx. 

But Bellinger told Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News that he has not thought about his $25 million option for 2026 yets. 

 “The true answer is it’s just so far ahead. I’m thinking about today, obviously tomorrow, the All‑Star break, and that’s really it. It’s very cliché, but I really focus on the day‑to‑day, and I control what I can control that day. That’s all I think about.”

It’s a classic punt, and a smart one.

 Bellinger’s numbers are solid. Through mid‑July he’s batting .285 with 16 home runs, 54 RBIs and an .838 OPS in 334 plate appearances.That power has come alive at Yankee Stadium especially, where he’s slashing around .324/.366/.591 and hitting 12 of those dingers, compared to a modest .242 average on the road.

So yes, he’s contributing.

 But is it enough to pass on $25 million guaranteed? His contract includes a $5 million buyout, giving him flexibility—but also a ceiling if the market doesn’t rise. A multi-year deal with a lower average annual value may ultimately be safer than betting on another shot at free agency.

If Bellinger ends the season strong and keeps trending upward, there’s reason to think he can do better than the option. But if the power slips or inconsistency creeps in, the offer might become very tempting.

Bellinger is doing his part right now. He’s racking up hits, settling into the Bronx spotlight nicely, and he knows how to dance around a direct question. Whether that leads to another free agent wave or a comfort-in-New York sign remains undecided.

But sooner than later, something has to give. And Bellinger’s not letting on which way it’s leaning.