Cody Bellinger is set to decline his $25 million player option, making him a free agent for the upcoming season, as reported by Jorge Castillo of ESPN. The outfielder has performed well with the New York Yankees during the past season and will receive a $5 million buyout, half of which will be covered by the Chicago Cubs.
Cody Bellinger’s Season Performance
In the previous season, Bellinger showcased a notable performance, hitting .272 with 29 home runs over 656 plate appearances. This marks his highest single-season total since his MVP earning year in 2019 when he hit 47 home runs. Additionally, he recorded 13 stolen bases and achieved a career-low strikeout rate of 13.7%.
His statistics at Yankee Stadium were particularly impressive. At home, Bellinger posted a batting line of .302/.365/.544 and hit 18 home runs. However, his performance on the road was league-average, with a slash line of .241/.301/.414. These mixed results might raise concerns for potential teams interested in signing him.
Contract Details and Trade History
- The Yankees absorbed $47.5 million of Bellinger’s previous contract, which totaled $52.5 million.
- The Cubs paid $2.5 million of his salary during the season.
- Bellinger is returning to free agency shortly after his 30th birthday and is expected to seek a long-term deal.
Despite his strong showing this season, Bellinger did not find a robust market during the 2023-24 offseason. The Cubs had also explored trade options last winter with limited interest, which led to a less-than-ideal acquisition for New York.
Market Outlook and Future Contract Expectations
As Bellinger approaches free agency, he is eager to secure a multi-year contract, possibly in the range of $100 million to $150 million. Given his overall skills, he is considered a more valuable player than others who signed significant contracts last winter, such as Anthony Santander, who received a net present value of around $69 million.
The Cubs issued Bellinger a qualifying offer after the 2023 season, which now disqualifies him from receiving such offers in the future. Consequently, if he signs with another team, the Yankees will not receive any draft pick compensation.
As negotiations unfold, the Yankees are also preparing to extend qualifying offers to other players, including Trent Grisham. With the offseason ahead, Bellinger’s market presence will undoubtedly remain a focal point for teams seeking outfield talent.
