Cody Bellinger is not far behind Kyle Tucker, who is still the most alluring name among outfielders this summer. Best of all, Bellinger can play almost any position. He is a previous World Series champion and MVP. It was said that he was probably going to opt out of his contract when the Yankees’ season concluded.
According to an ESPN source, New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger intends to opt out of his contract and become a free agent next month. For the upcoming season, Bellinger, 30, has a $25 million player option. He will likely attract a lot of interest in free agency following a strong season in his first year with the Pinstripes, which should result in a lucrative multi-year contract, according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo.
It was revealed that he had formally opted out after the World Series ended and the offseason started.
MLB Network insider Jon Heyman wrote, “Cody Bellinger has opted out.”
Naturally, the New York Yankees and New York Mets are two teams to keep an eye on during free agency. Will Laws and Nick Selbe of SI, however, think the Philadelphia Phillies might win the Bellinger sweepstakes.
Bellinger smashed 29 home runs—his most since hitting 47 in his 2019 MVP season—and a career-high 13.7% strikeout rate after being moved to New York in what was effectively a salary dump for the Cubs. The choice to opt out of his contract was simple when you consider the outfield defense in the corners and the competent coverage in center field. For a player who was not tendered by the Dodgers just three years ago, Bellinger is undoubtedly one of the best batters available this winter, according to Laws and Selbe.
Although Bellinger’s primary position would be center field, he could occasionally stand in for Bryce Harper, allowing Harper to rest his legs and DH. With his talent and expertise, he would be a fantastic asset to any team.
Bellinger is still producing at a very high level, and after missing out on a World Series, he might help the Phillies bounce back. Acquiring him would be a huge advantage for Philadelphia.