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Free agent outfielder and first baseman Cody Bellinger has reportedly reached an agreement to return to the New York Yankees, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN's Jeff Passan on Wednesday (January 21).
"BREAKING: OF/1B Cody Bellinger and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a free agent contract, sources tell ESPN," Passan wrote. "Cody Bellinger's deal with the Yankees is for five years and $162.5 million, sources tell ESPN. There are opt-outs after the second and third season, a $20M signing bonus and a full no-trade clause."
Bellinger is expected to be the Yankees' primary left fielder in 2026, having started more games (59) than any other position in 2025.
Yankees brass had publicly claimed that former top prospect Jasson Dominguez would be taking on an everyday left fielder role despite defensive struggles and issues against right-handed pitching during his rookie season, but re-signing Bellinger remained a top priority for the franchise during the offseason ever since he declined a $25 million player option. Bellinger hit for a .272 average with 29 home runs and an .813 OPS in 152 games last season hitting behind American League MVP Aaron Judge in the Yankees' lineup and was especially dominant against left-handed pitchers with a .415 on-base percentage and .601 slugging percentage against southpaws.