The New York Yankees and outfielder Cody Bellinger have reached an agreement on a five-year, $162.5 million contract, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The deal ends a prolonged offseason standoff and brings the 2019 National League MVP to the Bronx as the franchise looks to bolster its lineup.
Bellinger, a two-time All-Star and former Gold Glove winner, is expected to provide both offensive production and positional versatility. During the 2025 season, he demonstrated a return to form with consistent hitting and solid defensive play in both center field and at first base.
The Yankees had been in pursuit of an impact bat throughout the offseason, and Bellinger’s ability to hit for power from the left side addresses a key need for balance in the batting order. His signing adds another veteran presence to an outfield group that includes Aaron Judge and newly acquired Juan Soto.
The agreement follows weeks of negotiations between the Yankees’ front office and Bellinger’s representatives. The player had also drawn interest from several other clubs but ultimately chose New York, a team squarely in its competitive window.
Bellinger, 30, began his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2017 and helped the team win the 2020 World Series. After struggling with injuries and inconsistency in subsequent seasons, he signed a short-term deal with the Chicago Cubs prior to the 2023 campaign and rebounded with a strong performance that reinvigorated his market value.
By locking in Bellinger for five seasons, the Yankees are making a significant investment in their near-term future. The move signals the club’s intent to contend in the American League and adds another high-profile name to a roster that is aiming to return to postseason prominence.
Neither the Yankees nor Bellinger’s representatives have officially commented on the deal at this time.
