Outfielder Cody Bellinger is officially a free agent. Bellinger’s free agency comes after a resurgent season with the New York Yankees, ending with a subpar postseason and an American League Division Series exit.
Cody Bellinger: 2025 MLB Free Agent Profile
Belli’s Career
Bellinger debuted with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017 and earned NL Rookie of the Year honors after slashing .267/.521/.933. Bellinger was delivering for the Dodgers in 2018 and 2019. He improved from his rookie season and proved to be a force in the Dodgers’ lineup. Unfortunately, the success would not last.
Bellinger’s Dodgers tenure took a downward spiral beginning in the COVID-shortened 2020 season. It got so bad in LA that after the 2022 season, the Dodgers decided to non-tender Bellinger.
In December of 2022, Bellinger signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs. Bellinger had a resurgent season with the Cubs in 2023, before he hit the free agent market once again. He became one of the “Boras Five”, players who remained unsigned going into spring training of 2024.
Bellinger re-signed with the Cubs in late February 2024, on a three-year contract with player opt-outs after each season. In a season riddled with injuries, Bellinger’s play declined once again. The Wrigley winds over the past two seasons have affected the way lefty pull hitters have played in Chicago. Bellinger was no different.
In December of 2024, the Cubs traded Bellinger, who opted into his contract for 2025, to the Yankees.
2025 Season
Bellinger had a really productive season for the Yankees. He was the Yankees’ best bat behind Aaron Judge in the lineup and always came through when a big hit was needed. With 29 home runs and 98 RBI, Bellinger hit over .300 with runners in scoring position, second behind Bo Bichette for the best in the AL.
Cody Bellinger in 2025:
🔹 .272/.330/.468
🔹 122 wRC+
🔹 13 HR
🔹 9 SB
🔹 3 DRS, 4 OAA
🔹 2.5 fWARA well above average bat with Gold Glove caliber defense. pic.twitter.com/L9xRsXQDUY
— YankeesMuse (@YankeesMuse) July 7, 2025
It was more than just his offense that made a difference for the Yankees this season. Bellinger made multiple game-saving plays on defense, part of the reason they had a shot at the division in September. From shoestring catches to diving plays, Bellinger seemed to always be in the right place at the right time to save the Yankees.
WHAT A PLAY FROM CODY BELLINGER!
Bellinger makes the shoestring grab and doubles Francisco Lindor at first! pic.twitter.com/GqgQFOITWU
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) July 6, 2025
One thing teams could look at as an issue with Bellinger was his 2025 home and road splits and how well he hit at Yankee Stadium. In the Bronx, Bellinger posted a .302 batting average, a .365 on-base percentage, a.544 slugging percentage, and an OPS of .909. Meanwhile, on the road, Bellinger posted a .241 batting average, a .301 on-base percentage, a .414 slugging percentage, and an OPS of .715. Numbers like that could affect his market this offseason.
Contract Outlook
Bellinger is entering free agency after declining his player option for 2026. He has positioned himself as one of the top bats on the market. Bellinger is expected to command a lucrative, multi-year contract. Analysts project offers in the range of three to six years at an average annual value of $25 to $30 million. His rare combination of power, contact ability, and positional versatility enhances his appeal, making him one of the most well-rounded and sought-after free agents available this offseason.
Several teams are expected to pursue Bellinger aggressively. The Yankees are considered the favorites to bring him back after a strong fit in their 2025 lineup. They’ll face competition from the cross-town New York Mets, who are seeking an impact bat. The Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, and Detroit Tigers are also candidates to land the slugger.
Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
