Cody Bellinger to Opt Out, Chasing Agency After Yankees' ALDS Defeat
- Aldo Santoso
- 9 Oktober 2025
- 0 Komentar
When Cody Bellinger, the 29‑year‑old outfielder for the New York Yankees, stepped out of the clubhouse on October 8, 2025, the buzz was unmistakable: he’s poised to walk away from his $25 million player option for 2026.
That night, the Yankees fell 5‑2 to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 4 of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium, ending the postseason at roughly 11:47 p.m. Eastern. The loss not only sealed a disappointing finish but also triggered a cascade of contract speculation surrounding Bellinger’s future.
Background: From Chicago to the Bronx
Bellinger’s journey to New York began when the Chicago Cubs drafted him in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft. After a breakout 2019 season that earned him the National League MVP, he signed a seven‑year, $112.5 million extension with the Cubs. A year‑long injury saga later, the Yankees acquired him on November 2, 2024, in a trade brokered by Scott Boras, the famed agent who has steered Bellinger’s career since his rookie year.
2025 Season Performance: Numbers That Speak
The 2025 campaign was a rebound for Bellinger. He posted a .272/.334/.480 slash line, hammered 29 home runs, and registered a .813 OPS. Those stats translated into a 5.0 WAR — his best since the MVP season and the highest for any Yankees outfielder since Aaron Judge’s 2022 breakout. The right‑field spot, once a question mark, now seemed solid, especially when paired with Judge in center and the rookie Jasson Domínguez in left, a trio that combined for 87 homers.
- .272 batting average
- .334 on‑base percentage
- .480 slugging percentage
- 29 home runs
- 5.0 WAR
Speaking at a press conference just after the ALDS loss, Bellinger said, “Obviously, things to discuss with family and the agent and the business side of it all. But tonight, I’m just going to soak it all in and be a part of the group one more time.” His words were measured, yet the subtext was clear: the decision loomed.
Contract Situation: Opt‑Out Deadline Approaches
Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Bellinger’s option deadline is November 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET. If he declines, free agency kicks off the next day. Insiders, including MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, agree he is “widely expected to opt out,” a view reinforced by the Yankees’ own payroll projections. Exercising the option would push the club’s 2026 payroll to $238.5 million, flirting with the luxury‑tax threshold of $237 million.
The Yankees’ front office—headed by Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner and General Manager Brian Cashman—has scheduled an emergency strategy session for October 10 at 10:00 a.m. ET. The agenda: map out right‑field replacements, evaluate the luxury‑tax impact, and plan for a potential Bellinger‑free‑agency market.
Potential Suitors: Why Arizona Could Be the Dark Horse
Among the swirling rumors, the Arizona Diamondbacks have emerged as a plausible landing spot. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller labeled them a “dark horse,” noting their recent willingness to spend, especially on pitching. General Manager Mike Rizzo and Manager Torey Lovullo have a projected $42.7 million payroll space for 2026, making a high‑value outfield contract feasible.
However, as Alex Hider of Sports Illustrated highlighted, Arizona’s priority may remain bolstering a pitching staff that ranked 22nd in MLB with a 4.32 ERA. If they do bite, the deal could be structured to preserve flexibility—perhaps a four‑year, $100 million guarantee, aligning with what Boras is expected to demand based on comparable deals like J.D. Martinez’s $110 million contract in 2018.
Yankees’ Roster Implications: Who Steps Into Right Field?
Should Bellinger walk, the Yankees have several options. Veteran right‑fielder Joey Bell can fill the gap temporarily, while the club’s farm system boasts prospects like Aaron Judge‑II (no relation) and outfielder Colt Alvarez, who posted a .298 average in Triple‑A.
Financially, the team could redirect the $25 million option into a shorter‑term, high‑upside contract for a younger player, or they could swing the cash toward a marquee free‑agent signing elsewhere. The decision will reverberate through the entire offseason, influencing everything from the luxury‑tax strategy to the pursuit of a potential left‑handed ace.
What’s Next: Timeline and Expectations
Key dates to watch:
- Nov 7, 2025 – Bellinger’s opt‑out deadline.
- Nov 8, 2025 – Free agency officially opens.
- Mid‑Nov – Arizona, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Chicago White Sox are rumored to be in early talks.
- Dec 1 – MLB’s arbitration deadline, which could affect Bellinger’s leverage.
Analysts like John Moriello of Athlon Sports predict that Bellinger’s market value will stay high, especially given his recent performance spike and the scarcity of power‑hitting outfielders on the market.
For Yankees fans, the takeaway is simple: the offseason will be a puzzle, and Bellinger’s decision is a corner piece. Whether he stays or goes, the ripple effect will shape the club’s strategy for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Bellinger’s opt‑out affect the Yankees’ luxury‑tax outlook?
If Bellinger declines his $25 million option, the Yankees’ projected 2026 payroll drops to about $213.5 million, comfortably below the $237 million luxury‑tax threshold. Exercising the option would push the total to roughly $238.5 million, triggering a $4 million tax surcharge. The club will likely favor the opt‑out to preserve financial flexibility.
Why are the Arizona Diamondbacks considered a realistic suitor?
Arizona has cleared about $42.7 million in payroll space for 2026 and has shown a willingness to spend on high‑impact players. General Manager Mike Rizzo’s recent moves indicate a budget that could accommodate a four‑year, $100 million contract, making the Diamondbacks a viable, if not obvious, destination for Bellinger.
What other teams are rumored to be interested?
Alongside Arizona, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, and even the Boston Red Sox have been mentioned in early scouting reports. All three need a right‑handed power bat, and Bellinger’s recent resurgence makes him an attractive target for any club looking to boost its lineup.
What timeline does Bellinger have to make his decision?
The player‑option deadline is November 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET. If he opts out, free agency begins the next day, giving him a narrow window to weigh offers before the broader market heats up in mid‑November.
What could Bellinger’s contract look like if he hits free agency?
Scott Boras is expected to push for a minimum four‑year, $100 million deal, based on recent contracts for comparable power hitters such as J.D. Martinez and Jorge Soler. Performance incentives could push the total closer to $110 million if Bellinger maintains his 2025 production levels.
