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The New York Yankees didn’t just rent Cody Bellinger for a pennant push. They may have stumbled into their next multi-year cornerstone. ESPN insider Jeff Passan’s early free-agency intel hints at a real pathway to keeping Bellinger in pinstripes. This comes even as the former NL MVP barrels toward an opt-out that would typically launch a nine-figure bidding war.

The Opt-Out Everyone Sees—and the Extension Door That Just Opened

Bellinger’s contract allows him to opt out after this season, which is widely expected. He arrived in a salary-dump swap that sent Cody Poteet to the Chicago Cubs, then dominated on the field. He’s slashing .275/.329/.498 with 27 homers, running plus defense across all three outfield spots, and even sprinkled in first-base. That profile screams “opt out.” Passan agrees.

But Passan also discussed an important detail: the extension option. The Yankees are uniquely able to move before Bellinger’s opt-out triggers a wide bidding war. New York can offer the kind of security and multi-year deal Bellinger may seek, leveraging the team’s on-field strengths and historic brand. In addition, looming factors such as possible labor uncertainty in 2026–27 and an international free-agent class could alter market dynamics, making such an extension offer more appealing. Taking action early enables the Yankees to avoid the chaotic open market and negotiate terms that meet the needs of both parties.

Why Bellinger Specifically Works for This Roster

The Yankees’ roster makes an aggressive pitch for Bellinger logical. Trent Grisham‘s impending free agency and Spencer Jones’ later ETA mean Bellinger’s skill set—Gold Glove defense at multiple outfield spots and first base flexibility—fills both short- and long-term needs. That versatility delivers the matchup options New York values come October.

The splits tell an even sharper story. Bellinger’s reverse platoon has been a cheat code against lefties. He has an OPS over 1.000 vs. southpaws this season. On a team that routinely leans lefty in key spots, his ability to punish same-side pitching balances the lineup. This does not force awkward depth-chart compromises. You keep the bat in order, protect Aaron Judge, and preserve late-inning defensive alignments. That’s expensive, but it’s what you pay for at the top of the market: fit.

New York’s strategy is straightforward: offer Bellinger a contract that absorbs his opt-out, providing long-term security while accounting for past performance swings. This could include front-loaded salary to minimize risk in later years, escalators for plate appearances and defensive games at premium positions, and a mutual late opt-out to align incentives. The goal is to secure a deal that reflects Bellinger’s consistent value and aligns with the Yankees’ roster needs.

Could another giant meet or beat that? Always. But the Yankees can sell certainty and stage. Bellinger already proved the fit. The city hasn’t rattled him. The clubhouse has carved a role that suits his game. If the league braces for a messy winter—if international stars nudge big-market dollars in new directions—the cleanest solution is often the quiet in-house extension that never hits the rumor mill.

Passan didn’t guarantee anything. The takeaway is clear: the Yankees have a chance to keep Bellinger. Now it’s on Brian Cashman and ownership to act decisively before competitors do.

Alvin Garcia Born in Puerto Rico, Alvin Garcia is a sports writer for Heavy.com who focuses on MLB. His work has appeared on FanSided, LWOS, NewsBreak, Athlon Sports, and Yardbarker, covering mostly MLB. More about Alvin Garcia