In Part 2 of the series on the main New York free agents, we dig deep into Cody Bellinger.
The case for Cody Bellinger
He had a 2025 on par with Kyle Tucker, who is viewed as the top free agent available, and one who should top $300 million and possibly reach $400 million. The lefty-swinging Bellinger had 5.0 WAR (Baseball Reference), 29 homers and a 125 OPS-plus compared to the lefty-swinging Tucker’s 4.5/22/143.
Bellinger helped the 2025 Yankees with not just all five tools, but by seamlessly — and willingly — moving among the three outfield positions and first base. He limits strikeouts (career-low 13.7 percent), his 1.016 OPS was the best lefty hitter vs. lefty pitcher this year, and he had a .977 OPS with runners in scoring position.
He has played in the three largest markets — Los Angeles, Chicago and New York— and clearly is not cowed by any stage.