Cody Bellinger could leave Yankees with significant hole in lineup

The New York Yankees will have one more hole to address on the roster this offseason.

ESPN's Jorge Castillo reported that outfielder Cody Bellinger is expected to opt-out of his contract with the Yankees. The 30-year-old outfielder holds a $25M player option for 2026 and will look to receive a more lucrative contract in free agency.

Bellinger had a strong showing in his first season in New York. He produced a .272/.334/.480 batting line over 656 plate appearances, hitting 29 homers and 25 doubles while stealing 13 bases. Bellinger was a solid option hitting behind fellow outfielder Aaron Judge, a dangerous option for those who pitched around the reigning AL MVP.

New York Yankees facing echoes of 2024-25 offseason with potential Cody Bellinger departure

The Yankees were in a similar situation last offseason. Outfielder Juan Soto produced the best season of his career thus far in his only year in the Bronx. Despite the Yankees' best efforts, Soto signed with the crosstown Mets, agreeing to a record-breaking 15-year, $765M contract.

While Bellinger will not command the type of contract Soto received, his departure would also leave a gaping hole in the lineup. The Yankees have been overly reliant on Judge to provide the offense; Bellinger leaving in free agency would only compound that issue.

The Yankees have several questions in the lineup. Shortstop Anthony Volpe, catcher Austin Wells and outfielder Jasson Dominguez did not progress as hoped in 2025. The Yankees have a hole at first base with Paul Goldschmidt becoming a free agent this offseason; although Ben Rice made 50 appearances at first, he may be needed behind the plate due to Wells' struggles offensively. 

Bellinger's absence would not just be felt in the lineup. He saved 12 runs defensively as he spent time at all three outfield positions in 2025, tied for the 11th most for major league outfielders. The Yankees as a whole struggled defensively, ranking 21st as the defense cost New York seven runs, making Bellinger all the more important.

The Yankees will have a busy offseason as they look to return to the playoffs in 2026. Retaining Bellinger may be their top priority.