The New York Yankees have a massive decision looming — and it’s not about trades, prospects, or bullpen depth. It’s about Cody Bellinger, his $25 million player option for 2026, and whether Brian Cashman is ready to pony up to keep one of the Bronx’s most valuable Swiss Army knives from walking away.
Bellinger’s Not Just a Fit, He’s the Fix
Bellinger has been exactly what the Yankees needed, even if they didn’t know it at the time. Since arriving in pinstripes, he’s hit 22 home runs, stolen double-digit bags, posted an .803 OPS, and flashed Gold Glove-level defense at three outfield spots and first base. Oh, and he’s a lefty slugger whose swing was custom-built for Yankee Stadium’s short porch in right.
And yet, thanks to the terms of his current deal, Bellinger holds all the cards. MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic laid it out: the 30-year-old is expected to decline his $25M player option for 2026 and test the market for a long-term deal. And who can blame him? The man is looking for security — and Spotrac thinks he can get six years, $131.5 million.
That’s the ballpark. And the Yankees need to decide right now if they’re willing to play in it.
Bellinger Fills Too Many Holes to Ignore
Let’s look at the rest of the lineup. Juan Soto is gone to the Mets. Aaron Judge is still dealing with that elbow, limiting his outfield reps. Trent Grisham is also heading into free agency. And the farm system is not exactly bursting with plug-and-play outfielders.
So where does that leave Bellinger? In a position of leverage.
Aaron Boone has leaned on his versatility all year. He’s covered center, right, first base, DH duties, you name it. He keeps the lineup moving, keeps the defense intact, and gives the Yankees options when they’ve had too few of them. Losing him wouldn’t just sting; it would destabilize everything.
There aren’t a lot of guys like Bellinger hitting free agency. The outfield market is thin. The alternatives are riskier. And none of them brings the same blend of power, defense, speed, and positional flexibility.
Time For Yankees to Pay Up Or Watch Him Walk
Financially, it’s complicated. Judge and Gerrit Cole are already locked into monster deals. Soto’s departure opens up some payroll room, but also creates a massive hole in the middle of the order. Bellinger can’t replace Soto’s bat — but he can make up ground in every other way.
This is the Yankees’ inflection point. Do they stick to their financial comfort zone, risk losing one of the few consistent contributors they have, and hope for a bargain-bin replacement? Or do they lean into the moment and lock up a player who’s already proven he belongs in the Bronx?
Bowden’s reporting makes one thing crystal clear: the Yankees cannot assume Bellinger’s coming back. This is going to be a negotiation — and if the front office waits too long or lowballs him, another team will happily swoop in.
The clock’s ticking. If the Yankees want stability, power, and defensive glue heading into 2026, it’s going to cost them.
