What’s next for Cody Bellinger?
A recent report stated that the New York Yankees outfielder is expected to opt out of his contract for next season and become a free agent. While Bellinger’s first season with the Yankees was a plausible one (29 home runs, 98 RBIs and a .272/.334/.480 slash line) and a long-term pact would make sense for both sides, fellow outfielder Trent Grisham – who hit a career-high 34 home runs this season – is also a free agent. Plus, New York could want prized young outfielders Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones to have a runway to blossom at the MLB level; it’s no sure thing that Bellinger is back with the Yankees next season.
With that in mind, here are the three best free-agent fits for Bellinger should he depart the Bronx this winter.
Cody Bellinger’s 5.0 wins above replacement in 2025 ranks second in his nine-year MLB career. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
The Phillies had a great regular season but a heartbreaking end to their postseason. Now, they face a potential reckoning on the free-agent market, one that adding Bellinger would lessen in severity.
Outfielders/designated hitters Kyle Schwarber – who hit 56 home runs this season and could very well win the 2025 National League MVP Award – Max Kepler and midseason pickup Harrison Bader are all scheduled to be free agents and, at this point, Philadelphia’s actions indicate that first baseman Bryce Harper (it’s still bizarre writing that) isn’t going back to the outfield anytime soon. By the way, catcher J.T. Realmuto and left-hander Ranger Suarez are also free agents. Philadelphia has to do something in the outfield grass.
Bellinger could start at any of the three outfield positions for the Phillies, providing a sharp fielder to an outfield group that’s shuffling year after year. If Schwarber leaves Philadelphia, Bellinger is as good as any outfielder the Phillies could bring in on the open market, perhaps excluding Kyle Tucker. Bellinger is an impact bat in his prime who would replace a left-handed bat in a potent offense. Should Philadelphia add more outfield depth, Bellinger’s potential arrival would give them the chance to use Nick Castellanos as the designated hitter.
All that said, there’s a team in the Phillies’ division that not only needs Bellinger but could also start him outside their outfield.
Cody Bellinger’s home run (29) and RBI (98) totals were his most in a single season since 2019, when the two-time All-Star won the National League MVP Award. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
