"In 152 games, the 30-year-old outfielder hit .272 with 29 home runs and an .813 OPS. His performance against left-handed pitchers was especially impressive; he had the highest on-base percentage (.415) and slugging percentage (.601) of all left-handed hitters against left-handed pitchers. Bellinger played behind Aaron Judge for most of the season, giving the Yankees' lineup the protection and consistency it needed. The 2019 NL MVP showed that he still had the top-level skills that made him one of baseball's biggest stars in the past."
"Brian Cashman and the front office are in a tough spot right now because they have to find a new player to replace their second-most valuable player after a season that ended in heartbreak against the Blue Jays. Following the Yankees' Division Series loss, Bellinger addressed his future candidly. "I'd absolutely welcome the opportunity to return to the Bronx," he told reporters. The comment hinted that he might stay, but his choice not to take the $25 million player option shows that he is looking for a better multi-year deal."
The New York Yankees acquired Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs last December in a salary-dump move and positioned him as a key piece behind Aaron Judge. In 152 games in 2025 Bellinger hit .272 with 29 home runs and an .813 OPS, posting a .415 on-base and .601 slugging against left-handed pitchers—tops among left-handers facing lefties. Bellinger provided lineup protection and consistency throughout the season. He plans to opt out and test free agency instead of exercising a $25 million player option. The decision creates a significant roster challenge for the front office to replace the team's second-most valuable player.
Read at EssentiallySports
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