Yankees’ Cody Bellinger Sends Message on Future as $25 Million Decision Nears

Yankees’ Cody Bellinger Sends Message on Future as $25 Million Decision Nears originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

After two seasons with the Chicago Cubs, Cody Bellinger was traded to the New York Yankees last offseason. In his first season in New York, Bellinger is enjoying a bit of a bounce-back campaign.

In 112 games with the Yankees, the former NL MVP is batting .270 with an OPS of .816. Additionally, he has already recorded 22 home runs, 69 RBIs, and has a 3.6 WAR, which is second on the team only to star outfielder Aaron Judge.

Though Bellinger is still in the midst of another solid season, it is still time to think about his playing future, and based on his latest message, there is a chance it will not be in New York.

The 30-year-old has a $25 million player option for next season, and it remains to be seen what decision he will make. There is a possibility he opts in and continues his playing career with the Yankees, but there is also a good chance he opts out and becomes a free agent.

Recently, Bellinger spoke about his potential impending free agency and revealed that he wants to be on a winning team. However, he also spoke about being "very adaptable" and living "in a bunch of different places" (h/t Randy Miller of NJ.com).

“I’m very adaptable,” Bellinger said. “I’ve lived in a bunch of different places, but from the baseball side, I want to play with a bunch of guys that want to win.”

How the Yankees End the Season Could Decide Cody Bellinger's Future

After making it all the way to the World Series last year before losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers, many had high hopes for the Yankees this season. And to begin the season, they were meeting those expectations as one of the best teams in the majors. However, they have greatly struggled in recent months.

According to StatMuse, the Yankees are 22-32 since June 13. Additionally, they are currently 64-57 and are six games behind the Toronto Blue Jays for the AL East lead.

With roughly a month left in the season, New York currently possesses an AL Wild Card spot, though they cannot get too comfortable yet. They are just one game ahead of the Cleveland Guardians, who are 7-3 in their last 10 games, for the final spot.

A postseason appearance is still in the cards for the Yankees. However, they must end the season strong as it could not only decide their playoff fate, but also whether Bellinger sticks around past this season or not.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared.