New York — The New York Yankees face a potential free agency nightmare as Cody Bellinger approaches a crucial contract decision. Industry insiders warn the slugger could follow Juan Soto’s path across town to the New York Mets after the 2025 season.
Bellinger holds a $25 million player option for 2026. Multiple experts predict he will decline it after a solid 2025 campaign. The outfielder is hitting .269 with 21 home runs and 68 RBIs through 121 games this season.
CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa predicts Cody will “opt out” and noted that “Bellinger still is a Scott Boras client, after all, and Boras typically takes his clients out into free agency.” The veteran agent represents the Yankees slugger and historically maximizes client contracts through open market bidding.
Experts project $100 million payday looms for Bellinger
Industry analysts believe Bellinger can secure significant value on the free agent market. One expert ranks him fifth among all MLB free agents for the upcoming offseason.
Reports suggest Bellinger would only be 35 at the completion of a five-year deal or 36 after a six-year pact. An annual salary north of $20 million for a 30-year-old corner outfielder who has posted strong numbers since 2023 should be attainable according to market analysis.
The former MVP has revived his career since joining the Yankees from Chicago. As Randy Miller from NJ.com noted, “Contract: Making $27.5M in first of two player-option seasons included in a three-year, $80M pact signed with Cubs on 2/25/24. Has $25 million player option or $5 million buyout for 2026.” This financial landscape places him at a critical juncture.
Mets positioned as serious threat in free agency
The crosstown Mets emerge as a logical destination for Bellinger if he hits free agency. Owner Steve Cohen’s willingness to spend gives New York’s National League club a significant advantage in any bidding war.
The Mets successfully poached Juan Soto from the Yankees last December with a record 15-year, $765 million contract. Their deep pockets and aggressive approach under Cohen could make them formidable competitors for Bellinger’s services.
Industry tracking shows that Bellinger keeps finding his way onto free agent rankings through a series of one-year deals and opt-out opportunities. His consistent ability to reach free agency keeps multiple teams interested.
Yankees showing concerning lack of urgency
Reports indicate the Yankees should be dreading Bellinger’s contract decision, noting he can opt out of a $25 million salary and pursue free agency. Analysis warns that losing he would be nearly as tough a loss to stomach as Soto’s departure.
The Yankees have not initiated extension talks with Bellinger despite his strong performance. CBS Sports’ Axisa predicted that “an extension that makes the opt out moot would surprise me.”
When asked about contact from Yankees management, Bellinger confirmed they have not reached out. “No, but I don’t take offense to it,” the Yankees slugger said.
Industry analysis suggests the pursuit of a long-term contract could outweigh the immediate comfort of the player option for Bellinger.
Boras factor complicates Yankees retention hopes
Scott Boras represents Bellinger and typically steers star clients toward free agency.
Axisa noted that “Boras typically takes his clients out into free agency. To keep him, the Yankees would likely have to win a free-agent bidding war.”
Reports indicate Bellinger will turn 30 next season, and with Boras steering the negotiations, he will likely be looking for one final mega-deal before the twilight years of his career.
The agent previously struggled to secure Bellinger’s preferred deal with the Cubs, ultimately accepting a three-year, $80 million contract with multiple opt-out clauses.
Current season performance supports opt-out decision
Bellinger has performed well enough in 2025 to justify testing free agency. He is slashing .269/.323/.485/.808 with 21 home runs and 68 RBIs this season, building on a three-year stretch that has seen him nearly recapture his Rookie of the Year and MVP form.
Performance analysis shows that since April 28, he has been slashing .309/.361/.574 with 18 homers, 48 RBI, 48 runs, six steals and a strong walk-to-strikeout ratio in 316 plate appearances.
His defensive versatility adds value to his free agency profile. The Yankees have used Bellinger across all three outfield positions and at first base. He grades out roughly average in center but is a plus in either outfield corner.
Financial constraints could hamper Yankees pursuit
The Yankees carry significant payroll commitments to Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and other star players. These existing contracts may limit their ability to engage in an expensive bidding war for Bellinger.
Reports note that Bellinger has fit the New York Yankees well, making the December trade with the Chicago Cubs beneficial. The Yankees acquired him for minimal cost, receiving $5 million in cash alongside the player.
However, retaining Bellinger through free agency would require a significantly larger investment. Industry analysis indicates the stakes are high as he navigates this decision.
Bellinger downplays free agency talk but keeps door open
Despite the contract uncertainty, Bellinger says he remains focused on the team’s playoff push.
“As cliche as it is, as cliche as it sounds, I don’t even want to think about it,” he said about free agency. “I don’t think about it because we have 40-some games left.”
Bellinger revealed his agent Scott Boras has advised him to stay focused on baseball.
“When I talked to Scott, he told me to just focus on playing baseball and do the best I can every day. That’s my goal, so I show up every day and focus on the task at hand.”
The outfielder expressed strong appreciation for his Yankees experience. “I really love the organization,” Bellinger said. “It’s extremely professional. I love the people in this locker room. I love playing with Judge. He’s one of the best players on this Earth, and he handles himself and everything really well. I love playing in Yankee Stadium.”
However, Bellinger acknowledged family considerations will factor into his decision.
“There’s so many different variables that come with it. Yeah, family is involved. I’ve got two girls, 4 and 2. Ultimately, each (free agent) has different aspirations.”
From a baseball perspective, Bellinger emphasized his desire to compete at the highest level.
“I’m very adaptable,” the Yankees OF said. “I’ve lived in a bunch of different places, but from the baseball side, I want to play with a bunch of guys that want to win.”
Decision timeline adds pressure to situation
The free agency timeline begins five days after the World Series concludes. Bellinger must decide on his player option shortly after the season ends, creating a compressed decision window.
Reports suggest all eyes will be on Bellinger as he weighs his options at this critical crossroads, a decision that could redefine his career and the Yankees’ future.
The situation mirrors troubling parallels to Juan Soto’s departure. Both players are represented by Scott Boras and entering free agency at career peaks with multiple suitors ready to bid aggressively.
The Yankees’ ability to retain Bellinger will test their commitment to competing with the Mets’ spending power and could determine whether they face another devastating crosstown defection.
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