Yankees, Cody Bellinger standoff comes to a close with five-year agreement

After a standoff that seemed never-ending, the New York Yankees and Cody Bellinger have agreed on a contract, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. 

According to Passan, the deal is five years and will pay Bellinger $162.5 million. The contract includes two opt-outs after the second and third seasons, while including a full no-trade clause and paying Bellinger an additional $20 million as a signing bonus to account for New York's high income tax rate. 

Yankees needed Cody Bellinger rather than other way around

Outside of the reigning American League MVP, Aaron Judge, Bellinger was the Yankees' best player in 2025. He had a resurgence at the plate, posting a .272 batting average with an .813 OPS, and fell one home run short of 30. Bellinger ranked second on the Yankees in RBI (98), second in WAR (5.1) and second in hits (160). 

It was only a matter of time before Bellinger returned to the Yankees, as they needed him more than the other way around. Bellinger, outside of his offensive production, provided versatility in the field, playing four of the nine positions: left field (85 games), right field (52 games), center field (41 games) and first base (seven games). Bellinger was an above-average defender with positive defensive runs saved in right field (23) and center field (15). 

This versatility, especially Bellinger’s ability to play first base, will come in handy as their first baseman from last season, Paul Goldschmidt (139 games at first), is now a free agent. Ben Rice is the only other first baseman on their roster, with Judge likely going back to playing right field with his elbow now further removed from injury. Bellinger will likely be the Yankees' Opening Day first baseman.