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Cody Bellinger enjoyed a great campaign in 2025. Ending the regular season with a .272 batting average, 29 home runs and 98 RBIs, the outfielder helped the New York Yankees qualify for the postseason, earning himself an inclusion in the All-MLB Second Team in the process.
Deciding to opt out of the remainder of his contract to try his luck at securing an improved offer, Bellinger is now one of the most sought-after free agents on the market.
On Monday's episode of "Pinstripe Post," insider Joel Sherman of the New York Post spoke about the hype surrounding Bellinger. Sherman drew parallels between Bellinger's free agency and that of former big leaguer Jacoby Ellsbury. However, he also argued that, unlike Ellsbury, Bellinger's "love for baseball" would ensure he keeps striving to improve.
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"The question on (Cody) Bellinger that comes up over and over again, is about volatility of result," Sherman said (Timestamp: 14:14). "If you go to his WAR (wins above replacement), there's highs and lows, and last year was a high again. If you try to find somebody like that, it's a lot like Jacoby Ellsbury, who also was a free agent after age 29. Go look at Jacoby Ellsbury, there's 6.0 WAR, there's 2.0 WAR, there's five-something WAR, there's one-something WAR.
"It was bounce, bounce, the Yankees signed him for seven (years) at 153 (million). As we know, that was a disaster. Now, I don't think Cody Bellinger (will follow suit). I think Cody Bellinger loves baseball, I didn't think Jacoby Ellsbury loved baseball, and I would not give long-term money to somebody who doesn't burn to play. I think he (Bellinger) burns to play."
"We're going to continue to have dialogue" - Yankees GM drops key update on Cody Bellinger pursuit
Cody Bellinger established himself as a fan favorite in the Bronx after an impressive showing in 2025, and the New York Yankees were expected to be in the mix to sign the two-time All-Star as he headed into free agency.
As reported by content page "Fireside Yankees" on Sunday, Yankees GM Brian Cashman is allegedly in the midst of negotiations with Bellinger's agent, Scott Boras.
"He’s still in play. I talked to Scott Boras yesterday…we’re going to continue to have dialogue,” Cashman reportedly said.
Bellinger is projected to secure a contract in the range of $160 million this winter.
