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Cody Bellinger has been everything the New York Yankees could have asked for this season. Since coming over from the Chicago Cubs in the offseason, he has given the team a steady bat, defensive versatility, and the kind of veteran presence that fits perfectly in the Bronx spotlight.
The Yankees now have to decide how much they are willing to invest to keep him long-term.
Bellinger has made it clear what he wants when free agency comes around. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the former MVP’s only priority is to play for a contender. “Bellinger told me the other day that he wants to play for a winner, that’s his only prerequisite,” Heyman said on MLB Network.
So far, Bellinger has backed that up with his play. He’s been a reliable force in the Yankees lineup and has filled multiple roles on the field, playing both outfield and first base. One Yankees insider even went as far as calling him the team’s “best player,” which may be a stretch given Aaron Judge’s presence, but it shows how highly he is valued inside the clubhouse.
The bigger issue is money. Most expect Bellinger to opt out of his current deal, and the market will be strong for a player of his caliber. Spotrac projects him for a six-year, $181.8 million contract, an average of just over $30 million per season. That’s superstar money, and the Yankees will need to weigh whether he’s worth that kind of commitment as he enters his 30s.
The Cubs, meanwhile, have to feel somewhat justified in moving on from him despite their playoff push. If Bellinger lands a near-$200 million deal, Chicago avoided a long-term financial gamble. Still, his production in New York makes it fair to wonder if they miss him.
For the Yankees, though, the calculus is simple. Bellinger has been a major asset this year, and his desire to stay in a winning environment aligns with the organization’s goals. Whether that partnership continues will depend on how far the Yankees are willing to go financially — and if a big-market rival like the Mets decides to enter the bidding.