Cody Bellinger is returning to the New York Yankees on a new, lucrative contract. Find out Bellinger’s contract details below.
Cody Bellinger, Yankees Contract Details
After months of deliberation, the Yankees got their guy.
As first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Bellinger and the Yankees agreed to a five-year, $162.5 million contract. Bellinger’s new deal includes a $20 million signing bonus, a full no-trade clause, and opt-outs after the second and third seasons.
Cody Bellinger's deal with the Yankees is for five years and $162.5 million, sources tell ESPN. There are opt-outs after the second and third season, a $20M signing bonus and a full no-trade clause.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 21, 2026
The Yankees originally acquired Bellinger in a trade with the Chicago Cubs in December 2024. The Cubs traded Bellinger with $5 million in cash considerations for right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet.
In one season with the Yankees, Bellinger arguably became the team’s second-best position player behind the captain, Aaron Judge.
Batting behind Judge, Bellinger hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI in 152 regular-season games. The former NL MVP primarily played in left field, though he did see some time in center field.
Despite a rocky postseason, Bellinger declined his 2026 $25 million player option, becoming a free agent.
Negotiations reached an impasse this offseason between Bellinger and the Yankees. Bellinger, 30, was hoping to land a seven-year deal with an average annual value of $36 million or $37 million. Meanwhile, the Yankees did want the contract to exceed five years.
As time went on, other suitors emerged for Bellinger, including the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
After Kyle Tucker signed with the Dodgers, many believed Mets owner Steve Cohen would do whatever it takes to land Bellinger. Instead of outbidding the Yankees, Cohen elected to trade for Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
With the Mets out of the bidding war, the Yankees became the likely option for Bellinger.
Bellinger’s new AAV of $32.5 million is the fifth highest for outfielders, behind Tucker ($60 million), Juan Soto ($51 million), Judge ($40 million), and Mike Trout ($35.5 million).
Yankees Projected Outfield
With Bellinger back, how does the Yankees outfield look?
Bellinger slots back into left field, where he will play the majority of the time. Bellinger can also play center field and first base if the team needs it.
Judge will be starting in right field, and Trent Grisham will be in center field.
Had Bellinger signed elsewhere, the Yankees were prepared to make Jasson Domínguez the team’s primary left fielder. Bellinger’s return changes that.
The Yankees will likely keep Domínguez on the bench to start the season. However, they could explore trade opportunities for Domínguez or Spencer Jones, the latter being one of the Yankees’ top prospects.