The New York Yankees have some tough decisions ahead in free agency, primarily regarding outfielder Cody Bellinger.
While Bellinger ultimately has the keys to his decision, as he has the opportunity to opt out of a $25 million option and is expected to do so, the Yankees could also take a few different approaches in trying to retain him.
If the front office wants Bellinger back, they could look to re-sign him to a long-term deal. If they’d rather go after somebody like Kyle Tucker of the Chicago Cubs, that could also have an impact.
Will Cody Bellinger Stay With Yankees?
When examining this situation, Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report predicted that Bellinger would opt out of his deal, but then noted that he might not return to the Yankees if they're in “play” for Tucker.
“Bellinger is expected to opt out of the final $25 million he's scheduled to make in 2026, the final year of a three-year, $80 million deal. He may be looking at another similar deal in terms of length, but he only just turned 30 and won't have a qualifying offer attached to him.
“So, the Yankees should be motivated to retain Bellinger, unless they have a bigger play—such as Kyle Tucker—in mind,” he wrote.
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Bellinger has been excellent in the Yankees jersey, but that doesn't take away from what Tucker has done throughout most of his career.
He's had a somewhat quiet 2025 campaign for his standards, but he's also dealing with an injury. There will likely be a $400 million deal given out to Tucker, so that's something the Yankees will have to consider.
If Bellinger continues to swing the bat the way he has over the next two months, however, mainly in the postseason, it'd be tough to justify moving on from him.
Despite that, if the result is getting Tucker, it makes some sense.