Yankees Sign Cody Bellinger to 5-Year Contract

The New York Yankees have secured outfielder Cody Bellinger on a five-year contract valued at $162.5 million, effectively concluding a lengthy negotiation period. This move illustrates the Yankees’ determination to strengthen their roster after a successful season for Bellinger in New York.

Contract Details

The new agreement features several key components:

• Opt-outs after the second and third years.
• A signing bonus of $20 million.
• A comprehensive no-trade clause.

Bellinger’s Role with the Yankees

Cody Bellinger is expected to step in as the Yankees’ starting left fielder. Last season, he started the most games in that position, with 59 games played. His performance is likely to push Jasson Dominguez, a former top prospect, out of a regular starting role.

Bellinger’s Impressive Season

In his previous year with the Yankees, Bellinger exhibited remarkable prowess at the plate. He batted .272, hitting 29 home runs across 152 games. His on-base percentage of .415 against left-handed pitchers led all left-handed hitters.

Additionally, Bellinger showcased his defensive abilities, saving eight runs across multiple positions in the outfield and first base. His overall value translated to a 4.9 fWAR, tying with NL MVP runner-up Kyle Schwarber and marking the second-best season of his career.

Career Journey and Achievements

Bellinger began his major league career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning the 2017 National League Rookie of the Year award. In 2019, he received the NL MVP award after hitting 47 home runs. However, following a shoulder injury during the 2020 World Series, his performance significantly declined.

For three subsequent seasons, Bellinger struggled with injuries, leading to a lackluster batting average of .203. The Dodgers opted not to renew his contract after the 2022 season, prompting a fresh start with the Chicago Cubs on a $17.5 million short-term deal.

Return to Form

Bellinger revitalized his career with the Cubs, posting a .307 batting average, 26 home runs, and an .881 OPS, which earned him a spot in the top ten of the NL MVP voting.

Though he initially signed a three-year contract with the Cubs, he ultimately returned to the Yankees in a trade, which demonstrated his value as a player.

Conclusion

This contract marks the largest financial agreement in Cody Bellinger’s career and signifies the Yankees’ ongoing commitment to building a competitive team. He is the fifth player the Yankees have re-signed this offseason, joining other significant names such as Trent Grisham and Ryan Yarbrough.