Cody Bellinger makes World Baseball Classic decision after signing Yankees deal

The New York Yankees offseason wasn't the most exciting, and with Cody Bellinger unsigned, there were a lot of concerns over how things would pan out for the Yankees.

But they got the Bellinger deal done, and he signed on for another five years on a $162 million deal. It's a big contract for Bellinger, and he's now a staple in the outfield for the next half-decade.

In the wake of signing this contract to stay with the Yankees, Bellinger has made a big decision on the World Baseball Classic. As Jack Curry of YES reports, Bellinger won't participate in the WBC this year, focusing on the Yankees instead.

Cody Bellinger to focus on Yankees, not play in WBC

"Cody Bellinger said he doesn't think this will be the year that he plays for Team USA in the WBC," Curry reports. "Bellinger said he owes it to the Stienbrenners to focus on the Yankees."

After signing such a massive deal in free agency, the Yankees' outfielders who just re-signed with the team will focus on this upcoming Yankees season, and now the World Baseball Classic.

While plenty of other stars are on the Team USA roster, like David Bednar and Aaron Judge, Bellinger will sit out for another year as he focuses on the Yankees.

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It's an admirable stance for Bellinger to take, as he's honoring his new contract more than playing in a non-MLB setting. While it's an incredible chance to play for Team USA, Bellinger is focusing on his MLB club.

The 30-year-old outfielder/first baseman is back with the Yankees for five more seasons, and should have a chance down the road to suit up for Team USA if he wants to at a future WBC tournament.

But, for this year's tournament, Bellinger won't be participating, and instead, will prepare for the 2026 MLB season, and his first on his $162 million Yankees extension.

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