The Yankees finally wrap up their outfield—and likely their lineup—for 2026 with Cody return.
Cody Bellinger might not have the most impressive underlying hitting metrics in baseball. He doesn’t hit the ball particularly hard, with his average exit velocity in the 24th percentile and his 37.9 percent hard-hit rate in 2025 checking in the 26th percentile. His 70.1-mph bat speed is in the 20th percentile. And we can go on.
So why did the Yankees decide that this profile was worth $162.5 million over five years? Well, Bellinger showed that a hitter doesn’t need to have Giancarlo Stanton or Aaron Judge’s metrics to succeed.
Bellinger was, simply put, an above-average performer in the three things expected from a position player: batting, fielding, and baserunning. He was in the 82nd percentile in Batting Run Value per Statcast, in the 69th percentile in Baserunning Run Value, and in the 91st percentile in Fielding Run Value. His barrel control, consistency, work ethic, and natural talent to put the bat on the ball allowed Bellinger to hit 29 homers and post a 4.9-fWAR season in his inaugural campaign in the Bronx last year, his best output since his MVP year in 2019.
The Bombers determined that a player with 30-homer potential, an elite 13.7-percent strikeout rate, excellent defense, versatility, and a solid track record of production (save for a couple years ravaged by a shoulder injury that he didn’t wait long enough to recover from) was worth investing in.
The negotiation process was grueling and seemed to have no ending in sight. But Scott Boras, Bellinger’s agent, finally realized the Yankees weren’t moving from their five-year offer. The star did get a fair amount of flexibility, though, as there are opt-outs after the second and third season, a $20 million signing bonus, and a full no-trade clause. In the event of a lockout nixing the 2027 campaign—a looming threat—those opt-outs will each slide back a year.
In the end, with the Mets trading for Luis Robert Jr. late on Tuesday, it became clear that they weren’t going to seriously pursue Bellinger anymore. It sounded as though the Blue Jays were internally moving on from their interest as well. Finally, the path towards a deal was smoothed, and now the Yankees can finally plan around Bellinger being back on the squad.
He is likely ticketed for left field, with Trent Grisham in center and Aaron Judge in right. If he’s not moved as part of a package before Opening Day, Jasson Domínguez would be the fourth outfielder, with utilitymen Amed Rosario and José Caballero also available to cover corner outfield spots (DH Giancarlo Stanton would only be an emergency). Essentially, it’s a very similar unit to the end of last year, providing the project with some stability. Grisham could move on after his one-year qualifying offer contract in 2026 as well, and though Bellinger is better in left, he’s at least an option to help and play center if needed in 2027, keeping Judge in his most optimal spot.
Bellinger might not have the ceiling of his early career years anymore, when he used to put up wRC+ finishes in the 160s as he did seven years ago (when the ball was admittedly jumpier). He is now a steady, all-around performer who might not be flashy, but is very much effective in all facets of the game and can even man first as well.
Now that the Yanks have finally checked off Bellinger’s return from their list, the expectation is that they will focus on adding at least one more starter before the start of the season. Perhaps they will also add a bullpen piece or two, now that they know exactly how much money Bellinger will make and for how long.
The roster is still not finished—it would rightly be considered folly for the Yankees to think it’s A-OK—but Bellinger’s return is certainly a positive in the grand scheme of things. He showed the ability to take full advantage of Yankee Stadium’s short porch and finished 2025 with his highest home run total since he hit 47 back in 2019.
Bellinger has no platoon weakness (his 180 wRC+ against lefties was, in fact, much better than his 105 mark vs. righties), and he offers contact, power, speed, athleticism, defense, and pure baseball acumen. He also knows how to handle pressure and the media. Oh, and most importantly, he wanted to stay a Yankee, like his father. Now, he finally gets his wish and he
Negotiations weren’t pretty, but it finally happened: Cody Bellinger is staying a Yankee.
Category: General Sports
