The New York Yankees just got the kind of offseason drama you can feel in your ribs. Cody Bellinger chose freedom over comfort, said no to a guaranteed 25 million for 2026, and took the 5 million buyout. Here is the twist that matters. He also said he would absolutely be open to coming back. That is not a rumor. That is the player talking.
“I had an unbelievable time putting on this uniform. We came up short, and that part stinks for sure, because we had a really, really good group here.”
Age 30. Prime athlete. Fresh off a season in pinstripes where he hit .272 .334 .480 with 89 runs, 25 doubles, five triples, 29 homers, and 98 RBI in 152 games. That plays in New York. It plays in October. It plays anywhere.
He covered all three outfield spots, handled first base when asked, and gave the lineup that smooth left handed stroke Yankee Stadium loves. That is value you feel every single series. Not just numbers on a page.
The Cashman Quote Tells You Plenty
Brian Cashman did not sugarcoat it in October. He called Bellinger an impact player and said the Yankees would love to keep him moving forward. Translation for the real ones. The team knows how important he was. The only question now is how far they are willing to go with a Scott Boras client when the bidding gets loud.
Follow The Money And The Leverage
Bellinger used his opt out to seek a larger deal. Simple and smart.
The Cubs already kicked in two point five million toward his 2025 salary and will cover two point five million of the buyout now.
No qualifying offer penalty in this market since he already received one after the 2023 season.
That is a clean free agency profile. No draft pick strings. No weird tax. Just a bidding war for a player who helps you win on day one.
What The Yankees Outfield Looks Like Today
As of this moment the picture reads Aaron Judge, Jasson Dominguez, and possibly Spencer Jones, with Trent Grisham in free agency. That is star power and upside. It is also a lot of if. Bellinger gives you certainty. He lengthens the lineup, balances the handedness, and gives Aaron Boone matchup flexibility every single night.
The Fit Was Real All Year
Remember how this started. The Yankees sent Cody Poteet to the Cubs and Bellinger arrived with questions from other places and answered them here. Big moments. Tough at bats. Team first defense. The stadium crowd could feel it. He looked like a Yankee from week one.
So What Happens Next
Here comes the fun part. Boras will work the phones. Giants. Mariners. A Cubs reunion crowd. Maybe a secret team. The Yankees have to decide if they want to keep a proven October bat who covers grass and first base when needed. If they are serious about a ring right now, they do not let a perfect fit walk out the door without a real fight.
Bottom Line For The Bronx
Bellinger opted out, not away. He said yes to New York in public. The Yankees said yes to Bellinger in public. The math is simple. Pay the player who made you better and makes you better again tomorrow. Bring him back, settle the outfield, and let the rest of the league chase.
Final Word The window is open. The message is clear. If the Yankees want impact, leadership, and that sweet left field porch swing back in the lineup, write the check and run it back. Your move, New York.
Felix Pantaleon is The Founder of NYYNEWS.com The First & Oldest Independent New York Yankees Content Creator Platform, Since 2005.Follow on Social Media
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