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Cody Bellinger hit 29 home runs in his first year with the Yankees but is opting out of his contract. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) Getty Images Just days after his New York Yankees were eliminated from the 2025 baseball playoffs, Cody Bellinger declined his $25 million player option and became a free agent. A left-handed power hitter whose swing was a perfect match for the short right-field dimensions of Yankee Stadium, Bellinger hit 29 home runs – his best since he had 47 for the Cubs during his National League MVP season in 2019. He also stole 13 bases and showcased his versatility, playing all three outfield positions plus first base during his one-year tenure in the Bronx. By declining his player option, Bellinger will receive a $5 million buyout, with half paid by the Yankees and the other half by the Cubs. Trade to Yankees Chicago traded him to New York last winter after acquiring another slugging outfielder, Kyle Tucker, in a trade. Now Tucker is also on the free-agent market, in a sense competing with Bellinger but for a much bigger payday. When the Yankees landed Bellinger last winter, they took on $47.5 million of the $52.5 million remaining on his contract. The Cubs paid $2.5 million of his $27.5 million salary this season. The lanky left-handed hitter, who broke into the big leagues with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017, is a two-time All-Star whose resume also includes a Gold Glove, a National League Championship Series MVP trophy, a World Series ring, and a Rookie of the Year award. The 6’3″ native of Scottsdale, AZ has hit 225 lifetime home runs. Cody Bellinger (right) and Aaron Judge exchange salutes after home run heroics for the 2025 Yankees. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) Getty Images He could…

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Filed under: News - @ October 11, 2025 9:27 pm