Yankees, Mets, Dodgers reportedly finalists to sign $180M former MVP, World Series champion

The New York Yankees knew Cody Bellinger was likely to become a free agent after the season. As a Scott Boras client, he is going to get paid by someone one way or another — that’s just the reality. It wasn’t shocking when it became known that he would test free agency.

“As expected, New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger plans to opt out of his contract and become a free agent next month, a source told ESPN. Bellinger, 30, has a $25 million player option for next season. After a rebound season in his first year in pinstripes, he presumably will receive widespread interest in free agency — it should yield a lucrative multi-year contract,” ESPN’s Jorge Castillo wrote.

As other names start to fall off the board, Bellinger’s stock is becoming increasingly attractive, and he is expected to command a substantial payday.

“ESPN's Kiley McDaniel initially projected Bellinger would get a six-year, $165 million contract. But now the ballpark numbers are six years and $180 million. Bellinger's price tag started to move after the Philadelphia Phillies re-signed designated hitter Kyle Schwarber for five years and $150 million, and the Baltimore Orioles landed former New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso for five years and $155 million,” SI’s Michael Rosenstein wrote.

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden believes the Bellinger sweepstakes are likely to come down to the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and Yankees.

“The market for Cody Bellinger is robust with the most likely result that he signs with a big market, contending team as expected with the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers the most likely landing spots for him at this point in that order,” Bowden posted.

It’s easy to see why the three largest markets in baseball are the frontrunners for Bellinger — that’s exactly what Boras does best for his clients. Whichever team lands Bellinger can consider their offseason a success.

Bellinger is aiming to return to the World Series and win another championship — perhaps even with the Dodgers once again. If the Dodgers don’t land Kyle Tucker, a reunion in Los Angeles would seem like the most likely outcome.

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