Cody Bellinger has made his first choice of the offseason.
Now, the New York Yankees slugger will have more decisions to make.
On Monday, Bellinger opted out of his deal, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.
Bellinger had one year and $25 million remaining on the contract. Instead, he takes the $5 million buyout and heads into free agency to seek a bigger contract.
This was originally a three-year, $80 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, which the Yankees acquired in a trade between the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Bellinger put together his best offensive season in a long time in 2025, hitting 29 home runs while batting.272 and playing great defense wherever the Yanks put him.
MORE: Mets named best free agent fit for Yankees' 30-year old star
Now 30 years old, Bellinger has a lot of potential value as a former MVP who can play first base or any of the outfield spots at a high level.
MLB Trade Rumors expects Bellinger to go after a five-year deal worth at least $100 million.
The Yankees already have outfielder Trent Grisham in free agency, and now Bellinger joins him.
They don't necessarily need to re-sign either. They've got Aaron Judge and Jasson Dominguez, and Spencer Jones might be ready for his MLB debut.
But don't be shocking if New York tries to bring one of Grisham or Bellinger back. It just remains to be seen which one is most logical to keep around for the long run, and which should be allowed to leave to potentially be overpaid elsewhere.
More MLB rumors:
- Dodgers, Giants predicted to battle for $400 million free agent superstar
- Eugenio Suarez is looking at 5 possible landing spots
- Pete Alonso seems likely to stay in the NL East