Cody Bellinger Explains Why He Turned Down MLB Contenders to Commit to the Yankees

New York, New York

In a bold and heartfelt decision, Cody Bellinger has chosen to re-sign with the New York Yankees, turning down offers from other top MLB contenders in the process. The outfielder, who was acquired by the Yankees from the Chicago Cubs in December 2024, has agreed to a five-year, $162.5 million deal, ensuring that he will remain in the Bronx for the foreseeable future.

Bellinger’s decision came after a stellar 2025 season, where he posted a .272 batting average, .334 on-base percentage, and .480 slugging percentage with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. His performance earned him a spot on the All-MLB Second Team, and his contributions were instrumental in the Yankees’ playoff push. Yet despite significant interest from other teams, including his former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Mets, and the Chicago Cubs, Bellinger chose to stay with the Yankees.

When asked about his decision, Bellinger explained: “I feel really good with that... I really do love the group that we had.” The 28-year-old outfielder continued, “When you get into a locker room where it’s about winning and doing it for each other, you don’t really want to leave it.” This sense of camaraderie and the team-first mentality in the Yankees' locker room played a significant role in his decision to return, as Bellinger explained that he felt deeply connected to the group and wanted to see his journey with them continue.

Bellinger’s decision also reflected his belief that “the grass isn’t always greener,” a sentiment that hints at his desire to build something lasting with the Yankees rather than jumping to another organization. “I’m excited to run it back,” Bellinger said in a press conference. “I owe it to the Steinbrenner family and the Yankee organization to go and get my best foot forward and try to win a championship.”

Despite significant interest from teams like the Dodgers—his hometown team—and the Mets, who were looking to build a competitive roster in New York, Bellinger’s priority was always to stay with the Yankees. His decision to re-sign, despite negotiations that stretched out as agent Scott Boras pushed for a longer-term deal, was a testament to the strong connection he felt with the organization.

Bellinger’s commitment to the Yankees is not just about the present but also about his legacy. He acknowledged the “unfinished business” after the Yankees' early playoff exit in 2025, and he is determined to contribute to the team’s future success. With the Yankees' core of players like Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and the emerging talent of Jasson Domínguez and Ben Rice, Bellinger sees a championship window that could remain open for years to come.

Financially, the Yankees are over the luxury tax threshold with a payroll in the $330-360 million range for 2026. Despite these financial constraints, the Yankees made re-signing Bellinger a priority, a move that could prove crucial in their quest for a championship in the near future. His re-signing gives the team one of the most dangerous outfields in baseball, providing stability and leadership for the team’s future endeavors.

As Bellinger looks forward to the 2026 season and beyond, his return to the Yankees represents more than just a baseball decision. It’s about continuing a journey with a team he believes in, a team he feels truly rooted in, and one that he hopes to bring to the pinnacle of MLB success. The Yankees are undoubtedly thrilled to have him back in the fold, and Bellinger’s commitment to the team only strengthens the foundation for the years to come.