Yankees’ Cody Bellinger makes opt-out decision | What happens now?

Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger plans to opt out of his contract and become a free agent this winter, per Jorge Castillo of ESPN.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Bellinger had a resurgent season in pinstripes this year, playing at an All-Star level in the Yankees’ outfield.

Bellinger, 30, has a $25 million player option for 2026, but opting out will give him an opportunity to test the open market and seek out a long-term deal.

Considering Bellinger was one of the best corner outfielders in the sport this year, a slew of teams will be lining up to try and sign him to a multi-year deal. Bellinger hit 29 home runs this season with a .813 OPS, providing protection behind Aaron Judge for much of the season. He had one of the lowest strikeout rates in baseball, his numbers against left-handed pitching were magnificent and on defense, Bellinger was elite.

Just because Bellinger is taking his talents to free agency doesn’t mean he can’t return to the Bronx next season and for years to come. When asked about his future after the Yankees’ season-ending loss on Wednesday, Bellinger made it clear that he’s open to coming back.

“I had an unbelievable time putting on this uniform,” Bellinger said. “Yankee Stadium, the fans, the organization, the culture that these guys have created in this locker room. And it really is special. It’s such a fun group, it was a fun group to be a part of. Came up short and that part stinks for sure, because we had a really, really good group here.”

So, let’s say Bellinger is interested in a reunion. It’s unlikely he’d take a team-friendly deal from the Yankees because this is his shot to cash in as he heads into his 30s. The fact that Scott Boras is Bellinger’s agent is worth noting as well.

What the Yankees need to decide is if they’re willing to give Bellinger the years and money he’s looking for when they have young talent knocking on the door in the outfield.

If Bellinger departs, along with free agent Trent Grisham, the team could move forward with phenoms Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones in their outfield next to Judge. Jones had a huge year in the minors and could be ready for a big-league job coming out of spring training next year — although he did cool down significantly at the end of the season after his remarkable hot streak leading up to the trade deadline. Domínguez is deserving of a full-time gig in the outfield, but his defense is still a work in progress and the Yankees have shown they’re still not completely comfortable with him facing left-handed pitching from the right side. He fell out of the playing time picture this summer because Bellinger and Grisham were playing at such a high level.

Investing in Bellinger would lessen the pressure on Jones to be ready right away. Jones would benefit from more time in Triple-A, at least to start the year, to continue to develop and cut down on his strikeout tendencies. Bellinger is also a proven commodity, a player who the Yankees already know will fit perfectly in pinstripes with his versatility, athleticism and offensive profile.

The biggest name on the market this winter will be Kyle Tucker, the ex-Astro and current Cubs outfielder. Bellinger will be more affordable than Tucker, so he could end up making the most sense if the front office decides to put a chunk of their winter budget into the outfield.

Bellinger and Grisham aren’t the only Yankees heading into free agency this offseason. Other veterans hitting the open market include first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver.

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