The New York Yankees finally got their man — and they didn’t have to look very far.
The Bronx Bombers have reportedly come to an agreement with their first big-name free agent of the off-season, re-signing former MVP Cody Bellinger on Wednesday.
Several reports confirm that the two-time all-star outfielder has agreed to a five-year deal worth $162.5 million US.
MLB insider Jeff Passan also reported that the contract contains opt outs after the second and third seasons.
Bellinger had declined a $25-million player option with the Yankees following the 2025 season, becoming one of the top bats on the free-agent market.
But after a drawn-out negotiation and some reported interest from the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers, Bellinger ultimately reached a deal to return.
The 2025 season was his first with the Yankees, who acquired him in a trade with the Chicago Cubs last off-season after Juan Soto departed for the Mets.
He batted .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs as a key left-handed bat in New York’s lineup.
Bellinger reportedly had been looking for a seven-year deal, but it was unclear what market there was left for him after the Dodgers made the blockbuster signing of Kyle Tucker last week and the Mets traded for former all-star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday morning.
Bellinger’s career achievements
Bellinger played his first six seasons in the majors with the Dodgers, winning the NL MVP in 2019 after batting .305, hitting 47 home runs and racking up 115 RBIs. He also earned the Rookie of the Year award in 2017 with L.A. after bursting on to the scene with 39 homers and 97 RBIs.
He was part of the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series championship and later left the team as a free agent in 2022, signing with the Chicago Cubs.
He will return to a Yankees outfield that will again feature AL MVP Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham, who accepted a $22 million qualifying offer earlier this off-season.