<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/new-york-yankees/yankees-news-cody-bellinger-free-agency-move');   ga('set', 'title', 'Yankees slugger Cody Bellinger finalizes expected free agency move');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Cody-Bellinger-finalizes-expected-free-agency-move.jpg"><figcaption>Troy Taormina-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure><h1>Yankees slugger Cody Bellinger finalizes expected free agency move</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-11-03T16:35:35-08:00">November 3rd, 4:35pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-11-03T16:35:35-08:00">November 3rd, 4:35pm</time><address><a>Josh Davis</a>Josh Davis is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints with a focus on MLB. As the founder and creator of OutOfSightSports, Josh spearheads the development and expansion of an engaging social media platform, with a core focus on Twitter/X. A passionate sports writer, Josh is dedicated to delivering compelling content that connects fans and fuels vibrant sports conversations. His vision is to craft stories so vivid that fans feel like they’re standing at the plate or on the field.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Cody Bellinger’s decision to test the open market officially <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/yankees-rumors-1-trade-to-watch-out-for-this-offseason">begins the New York Yankees’ offseason storyline</a>. The former MVP declined his $25 million player option for 2026, finalizing an expected free agency move that reshapes the Yankees’ roster outlook and defines the early tone of MLB’s upcoming free agency market.</p><p>The New York Post Sports’ Jon Heyman took to his X (formerly known as Twitter) to break the news, <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/1985415029932331091" rel="noopener">confirming</a> one of the most anticipated moves of the offseason.</p><p>“Cody Bellinger has opted out.”</p><p>The announcement instantly sparked league-wide reaction, positioning Bellinger as the first major domino of the offseason and setting the stage for what’s expected to be one of baseball’s busiest free-agent markets.</p><p>The 30-year-old slugger’s decision follows a resurgent 2025 season in which he hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs over 152 games. The comeback season restored his market value and positioned him as one of the premier bats available in the upcoming MLB free agency cycle.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/cody-bellinger-trade-grades-yankees-cubs">Bellinger joined the Yankees</a> before the 2025 season after being traded from the Chicago Cubs and quickly became a cornerstone in the middle of the club’s order. The left-handed power bat thrived in Yankee Stadium, offering balance next to Aaron Judge while providing Gold Glove-caliber defense in both the outfield and at first base if needed.</p><p>With the opt-out finalized, the move frees up roughly $20 million in payroll space for New York and places immediate pressure on general manager Brian Cashman. The club must now decide whether to pursue a reunion or pivot toward other Yankees offseason moves, with several star hitters and left-handed bats expected to draw their attention.</p><p>The 30-year-old veteran’s next contract is expected to exceed $130 million, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies all closely monitoring his availability. The move also signals the start of baseball’s annual “Hot Stove” period, where player leverage and market timing often reshape the landscape of an entire offseason.</p><p>For Yankees fans, the opt-out is both expected and bittersweet — a reminder that one of the club’s most complete hitters of 2025 could soon wear another uniform when Opening Day 2026 arrives.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Yankees slugger Cody Bellinger finalizes expected free agency move

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/new-york-yankees/yankees-rumors-insider-predicts-new-york-approach-cody-bellinger-free-agency');   ga('set', 'title', 'Yankees rumors: Insider boldly predicts how New York will approach Cody Bellinger’s free agency');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Yankees-outfielder-Cody-Bellinger-hits-a-home-run.jpg"><figcaption>Nick Wosika-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Yankees rumors: Insider boldly predicts how New York will approach Cody Bellinger’s free agency</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-21T16:25:30-07:00">October 21st, 4:25pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-21T16:33:22-07:00">October 21st, 4:33pm</time><address><a>Russell Steinberg</a>Russell Steinberg covers Major League Baseball and the New York Liberty for ClutchPoints. A baseball and basketball lifer, he has written for Boardroom, SLAM, SB Nation, The Next, and more. He graduated from NYU in 2012 and still returns to serve as PA announcer and occasional broadcaster for the school’s basketball and volleyball teams.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Cody Bellinger always seemed like a natural fit with the New York Yankees, and his one year in pinstripes seems to have reflected that.</p><p>The former MVP hit .272 in 2025 with 29 home runs, 13 stolen bases and a 125 OPS+. It was good enough for <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/yankees-news-cody-bellinger-25-million-contract-option-decision">Bellinger to opt out of his contract</a>, which would have paid him $52.5 million over the next two seasons.</p><p>It’s no secret that the Yankees love Bellinger, and insider Joel Sherman <a href="https://x.com/nypostsports/status/1980737290927239218" rel="noopener">believes the team will</a> “probably do what they can” to bring him back in 2026.</p><p>“[He] fits them well and I think is an exceptional player,” he said in a video for the New York Post.</p><p>He also reminded fans that, while Bellinger had a resurgent season in 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers non-tendered him in 2022 after his career appeared to crater. He then had one great year and one subpar year with the Chicago Cubs.</p><p>“He was so bad after being an MVP for [the Dodgers] that they non-tendered him,” Sherman said. “Last offseason, a Scott Boras client opted into his contract, in Cody Bellinger, which meant that he was concerned that he could not get a good deal in the marketplace.”</p><p>Now, Sherman seemed mystified at what <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/3-teams-that-could-steal-cody-bellinger-from-yankees-free-agency">teams might offer Bellinger</a>.</p><p>“Does that mean he gets [five years, $110 million]?” he asked. “Or does that mean, h*ll, he outplayed Kyle Tucker this year, and he gets [eight years, $240 million]?”</p><p>That question may determine whether Bellinger stays in pinstripes. New York will have money to spend this winter with Aaron Hicks and Marcus Stroman’s disastrous contracts coming off the books. But they also have multiple positions to address, with a bullpen that needs help and questions at first base. Bellinger will probably be a priority, but how far is New York willing to go?</p><p>“My suspicion is [they will] do what the Yankees usually do, which is when they really want a player, they let Scott Boras in this case know, ‘we really want your player. If he really wants us, don’t let him sign without us getting in at the end,'” Sherman explained.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Yankees rumors: Insider boldly predicts how New York will approach Cody Bellinger’s free agency

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/new-york-yankees/yankees-news-ny-jasson-dominguez-plan-cody-bellinger');   ga('set', 'title', 'Will Yankees’ Jasson Dominguez plan impact Cody Bellinger?');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Yankees-outfielder-Jasson-Dominguez-vs-Twins.jpg"><figcaption>Nick Wosika-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Will Yankees’ Jasson Dominguez plan impact Cody Bellinger?</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-16T10:38:41-07:00">October 16th, 10:38am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-16T10:38:41-07:00">October 16th, 10:38am</time><address><a>Yasmin Edañol</a>Yasmin D.G. Edañol is a PhD candidate in Chemistry at the University of the Philippines Diliman, with a background in scientific research and publishing. He brings a data-driven perspective to sports storytelling as an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints, with a focus on the NBA. Whether it's breaking down a clutch play or a stat line, he believes every great moment has a deeper layer waiting to be uncovered.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/2-yankees-coaches-not-returning-after-playoff-elimination">New York Yankees face growing decisions this offseason</a>. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/yankees-news-aaron-boone-reveals-jasson-dominguez-lineup-plan">Jasson Dominguez is expected to play regularly next year</a>, and that makes the outfield picture more complicated. As MLB’s Bryan Hoch <a href="https://x.com/BryanHoch/status/1978860311810548099" rel="noopener">reported</a>, manager Aaron Boone said Dominguez could even play winter ball to prepare for a full-time role. The switch-hitting prospect is being considered for left field. That development adds an <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/3-teams-that-could-steal-cody-bellinger-from-yankees-free-agency">intriguing twist to Cody Bellinger’s future with the club</a>. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/yankees-news-aaron-judge-dodges-surgery-possibility-set-full-time-right-field-return">With Aaron Judge firmly locked in at right, the Yankees must decide how the rest of their outfield</a> fits together.</p><p>Boone’s comments hinted that Dominguez’s readiness could dictate how aggressive the Yankees become in pursuing Bellinger. The front office envisions a scenario where Dominguez settles in left, Judge anchors right, and Bellinger either returns to center or explores free agency. Given his expected opt-out, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/mlb-stories/cody-bellinger-destinations-yankees-contract">Cody Bellinger will likely command multiple suitors after a strong year</a> showcasing power, defense, and leadership.</p><p>If the Yankees choose to stay internal, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/yankees-news-jasson-dominguez-mlb-history-may-feats">Jasson Dominguez’s development becomes the key storyline</a>. Boone has emphasized his athleticism, quick bat, and improving reads off the wall. The 22-year-old flashed potential during his brief stint before injury, hitting for both power and average. His emergence gives the Yankees a cost-controlled weapon who fits the team’s push toward youth and versatility.</p><p>However, the organization understands that veteran reliability still matters. Bellinger’s left-handed swing and postseason experience make him a steadying force in the lineup. He can play all three outfield spots and first base, providing Boone with valuable flexibility.</p><p>Still, if Dominguez locks down left field and Judge remains in right, the Yankees may opt to invest elsewhere, perhaps in pitching depth or infield upgrades. Bellinger’s price tag will reflect his value, but it may not align with New York’s long-term blueprint if Dominguez delivers on his promise.</p><p>The Yankees have a delicate balance to strike: trust youth or secure proven production. With Dominguez rising, Bellinger evaluating his options, and Aaron Judge leading the charge, Boone’s next lineup decisions could shape New York’s entire 2026 outlook.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Will Yankees’ Jasson Dominguez plan impact Cody Bellinger?

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/new-york-yankees/3-teams-that-could-steal-cody-bellinger-from-yankees-free-agency');   ga('set', 'title', '3 teams that could steal Cody Bellinger from Yankees in free agency');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/New-York-Yankees-outfielder-Cody-Bellinger-3.jpg"><figcaption>Brad Penner-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>3 teams that could steal Cody Bellinger from Yankees in free agency</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-14T18:43:33-07:00">October 14th, 6:43pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-14T18:43:33-07:00">October 14th, 6:43pm</time><address><a>Zachary Howell</a>Zachary Howell is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints focusing on creating premier MLB content. He is a big fan of the Yankees, Oklahoma City Thunder and the Syracuse Orange. In his free time, he likes to be outside or read.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The New York Yankees have been busy, even though their offseason has just begun. New York moved on from two of its coaches as the team tries to change its philosophies. However, the biggest news so far as been the fact that <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/yankees-news-cody-bellinger-25-million-contract-option-decision">Cody Bellinger will test free agency, declining his player option</a>. The New York Mets, Kansas City Royals, and Houston Astros could all use someone like him.</p><p>Bellinger had a great season for the Yankees in 2025, asserting himself as a key contributor to one of the league’s best offenses. However, he and his teammates were silenced in the playoffs, which ended in an unceremonious defeat in the American League Divisional Series at the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite a quiet playoff run, New York figures to be a contender in 2025.</p><p>Rumors surrounding the Yankees’ offseason priorities have already begun flying around the team. However, Bellinger’s future is key to how the front office will approach free agency. If he stays, New York has plenty of reasons to be optimistic about its outfield moving forward. If he moves on, the Yankees have to fill a massive void in left field after losing a Gold Glove defender.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/mlb-stories/cody-bellinger-destinations-yankees-contract">Bellinger has plenty of options as a free agent this winter</a>. Despite having a $25 million option on the table, the outfielder wisely declined, betting that there is a team that is willing to give him another multi-year contract at a better value. That fact is a major concern for a Yankees team that learned just how far away it is from true World Series title contention.</p><p>Teams willing to open their wallets can throw more money at Bellinger than New York can. The question is just how much the interested teams value the outfielder.</p><h2>Kansas City Royals</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Royals-Bobby-Witt-Jr.-rounds-bases-after-hitting-100th-career-homer.jpg"><figcaption>Peter Aiken-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/kansas-city-royals/royals-trade-proposal-lands-jarren-duran-from-red-sox">Royals were interested in outfielders like Jarren Duran at the trade deadline</a>. However, Kansas City was unable to bring in an impact player at that position. As a result, the team fell just short of the postseason after making it in 2024. Despite a disappointing season, there is a lot to be optimistic about around the Royals’ clubhouse as the offseason gets going.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/kansas-city-royals/royals-news-jac-caglianone-super-fired-up-admission-home-debut">Jac Caglianone made a splash in Kansas City</a> when he finally got to the major leagues. However, the team found that the best fit for him is as its designated hitter. That opens up a hole in the outfield that the front office will try to fill this winter. Bellinger is a great replacement, giving the team elite defense as well as an effective left-handed swing with plenty of playoff experience.</p><p>As a team, the Royals have the pieces to contend. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/kansas-city-royals/royals-news-mike-yastrzemski-trade-giants">Kansas City added Mike Yastrzemski at the deadline</a>, but Bellinger offers far more on both sides of the ball. The Royals need to be more aggressive on the open market in order to keep pace in the AL, and Bellinger is a perfect option that saves the team money while giving it a difference maker in the outfield.</p><h2>New York Mets</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Mets-outfielder-Brandon-Nimmo-vs-Reds.jpg"><figcaption>Katie Stratman-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Bellinger is not the MVP caliber player that he used to be. However, he proved in 2025 that he can shine next to other stars. While a move from one New York team to another would burn Yankees fans everywhere, it is on the table this winter. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-mets/grading-juan-soto-mets-historic-765-million-contract">Juan Soto joined the Mets in 2024,</a> paving the way for Bellinger to do the same. If he does, New York would be more divided than ever.</p><p>Bellinger hit <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/33912/cody-bellinger" rel="noopener">29 home runs and racked up 89 RBIs</a> in the regular season. His postseason was a bit underwhelming, but that could be attributed to the team’s approach instead of his individual performance. Besides, his defense was as good as ever, which is what the Mets need more than anything else in left field. Brandon Nimmo was good this season, but he is 32 years old now.</p><p>Bellinger is a big upgrade in a position of need in New York. The Mets’ top priority in the offseason is their starting rotation, but left field was a point of concern down the stretch. Having Bellinger in the mix makes that problem a distant memory while robbing a cross town rival of a key piece. If nothing else, David Stearns would love to steal Brian Cashman’s player yet again.</p><h2>Houston Astros</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Jose-Altuve_82607c.jpg"><figcaption>Thomas Shea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Because of injuries, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-jose-altuves-1-ongoing-problem-with-transition-to-outfield">Astros had to put Jose Altuve in left field</a>. The move went about as one might have expected. Altuve did everything he could, but his lack of comfort in the outfield showed. Now, Houston enters an offseason wondering where everything went wrong. After an uncharacteristically average regular season, the front office has its work cut out for it.</p><p>Yordan Alvarez and other key players struggled with injuries down the stretch of the season. At this point, Dana Brown would love to add a player who can simply stay on the field. Bellinger has played in at least 130 games in each of the last four seasons, serving as a consistent presence for whatever team he is on. If he could do the same for Houston, it would help a lot.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/why-framber-valdez-astros-future-will-be-determined-in-october">Astros have big choices to make with Framber Valdez</a> and other veterans. However, left field remains a position of need for one of the league’s last modern dynasties. Making the right move could make or break Houston’s offseason. Adding Bellinger would be a big step in the right direction. Additionally, it adds another wrinkle to one of the league’s best rivalries.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

3 teams that could steal Cody Bellinger from Yankees in free agency

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/mlb-stories/cody-bellinger-destinations-yankees-contract');   ga('set', 'title', '3 perfect Cody Bellinger destinations after opting out of Yankees contract');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/X-perfect-Cody-Bellinger-destinations-after-opting-out-of-Yankees-contract.jpg"></figure><h1>3 perfect Cody Bellinger destinations after opting out of Yankees contract</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-10T10:55:46-07:00">October 10th, 10:55am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-10T15:20:41-07:00">October 10th, 3:20pm</time><address><a href="https://www.facebook.com/joey.mistretta/" rel="facebook">Joey Mistretta</a>Joey Mistretta is a Dallas Mavericks beat reporter, Dallas Wings beat reporter and lead MLB editor for ClutchPoints. He is originally from Lake Arrowhead, California. Mistretta graduated from Biola University with a degree in broadcast journalism.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The New York <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/yankees-news-aaron-boone-alds-loss-quote">Yankees were eliminated from the postseason</a> as a result of their ALDS loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Outfielder <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/yankees-news-cody-bellinger-25-million-contract-option-decision">Cody Bellinger is expected to opt out of his contract</a>, which would make him a free agent this offseason. So will Bellinger return to New York or head elsewhere in free agency?</p><p>The 30-year-old will likely be seeking a long-term deal. He previously signed a short-term contract with the Chicago Cubs that included opt-outs before getting traded to the Yankees last offseason. The left-handed slugger performed well in 2025, however, so a long-term contract could now be an option.</p><p>Bellinger slashed .272/.334/.480 across 152 games played while also hitting 29 home runs and 25 doubles. The veteran’s .813 OPS was his highest mark since 2023 and second best overall OPS since his 2019 MVP season.</p><p>Cody Bellinger will likely draw plenty of interest this winter. Without further ado, here are three perfect free-agency destinations for him.</p><h2><b>San Francisco Giants</b></h2><p>Bellinger’s defensive versatility gives him an advantage in free agency. He can realistically play any of the outfield positions while also helping out at first base if necessary. The Giants have displayed the potential to contend in recent years, but they are still a few pieces away.</p><p>San Francisco finished the 2025 campaign with a .697 team OPS — a mark that was 22nd in the major leagues. The Giants’ 173 home runs were 19th. Adding 29 long balls and an .813 OPS to the lineup certainly wouldn’t hurt matters.</p><p>Of course, Yankee Stadium is especially friendly to left-handed hitters, while Oracle Park in San Francisco is more of a pitcher’s paradise. Nevertheless, Bellinger features enough offensive upside to find success in any stadium. He’s also a good enough outfielder to cover a lot of ground in San Francisco’s large outfield.</p><p>Adding Bellinger would give the Giants a lineup that features the former MVP along with stars such as Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman and Willy Adames.</p><p>Of course, we can’t ignore one final note: Cody Bellinger happens to be quite familiar with the Giants after spending the first portion of his career with their rival — the Los Angeles Dodgers.</p><h2><b>Texas Rangers</b></h2><p>The Rangers are not exactly known for their free-agency prowess. Texas doesn’t always sign big-name players during the offseason. With a new manager in Skip Schumaker, however, there may be some urgency to win soon in the Lone Star State.</p><p>The Rangers — similar to the Giants — were competitive but missed the postseason in 2025. Their .683 team OPS and 175 home runs placed 26th and 18th overall.</p><p>Texas is another ballclub that could use an outfield boost. Adolis Garcia endured a down 2025 campaign, while Evan Carter has struggled to stay on the field. Wyatt Langford is a good young player with a high ceiling, but the Rangers could use another outfielder.</p><p>In all reality, the chances of Bellinger ending up in Texas are fairly slim. If the Rangers decide to be aggressive during the offseason, though, perhaps they will at least inquire about the 30-year-old.</p><h2><b>New York Yankees</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Yankees-left-fielder-Cody-Bellinger-against-Twins.jpg"><figcaption>Yannick Peterhans-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure><p>A return to the Yankees makes plenty of sense for Cody Bellinger. He found success this past season, and as mentioned earlier, the ballpark complements him as a left-handed slugger.</p><p>New York’s offense was tremendous in 2025 — recording an MLB-best .787 OPS and 274 home runs. The Yankees could probably still find success without Bellinger from an offensive standpoint. However, with right-handed sluggers such as Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton anchoring the lineup, having a left-handed presence like Bellinger helps.</p><p>Bellinger’s defense is important as well. The Yankees have endured ups and downs from a fielding standpoint over the years. Bellinger positively impacts them on the field, though.</p><p>Returning to the Yankees would probably be Bellinger’s best decision. Still, he would be wise to consider all of his offers before making a final decision.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2025 SEASON STATS
IP	ERA	K	WHIP	WINS
197	4.80	68	1.49	4

2025 SEASON STATS
IP	ERA	K	WHIP	WINS
197	4.80	68	1.49	4

YEAR	TEAM	W	L	SV	ERA	GP	GS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	HLD	WHIP
2025	SF	4	4	0	4.80	21	10	65.2	61	42	35	10	37	68	3	1.49
2025	SF	2	0	1	0.75	4	1	12.0	6	1	1	0	0	18	0	0.50
2024	SF	5	6	0	4.75	16	16	72.0	57	39	38	11	43	88	0	1.39
2024	SF	0	0	0	6.75	2	0	2.2	4	2	2	1	3	4	0	2.63

Hayden
Birdsong stats

PITCHING STATS

HITTING STATS

FIELDING STATS

YEAR	TEAM	GP	GS	PO	A	E	FPCT
2025	SF	21	10	4	3	1	.875
2025	SF	4	1	0	1	0	.000
2024	SF	16	16	7	4	1	.917
2024	SF	2	0	0	0	0	0.000

Hayden Birdsong stats

PITCHING STATS

HITTING STATS

FIELDING STATS

Hayden
Birdsong stats