As Cody Bellinger continues to perform for the New York Yankees, it’s becoming more likely that he’ll have a new home next season.

Just prior to the 2024 season, Bellinger had signed a three year contract extension with the Chicago Cubs, worth $80 million. Now in his second season, the player option on the third year of his contract is becoming more and more apparent.

Shortly after the 2024 season, Chicago traded Bellinger to the Yankees for Cody Poteet and $5 million in cash, and it just may have been the best thing for him.

The inconsistencies in Bellinger’s game are highly apparent though, and it could make the Yankees decision to move on from him easier.

Bob Klapisch of NJ.com reported that it’s likely Bellinger will attempt to opt out of his contract to get more. 

“Yes, Bellinger has an opt-out in his contract. And yes, he’s going to take advantage of that escape clause immediately after the World Series. Not because he wants out… Bellinger, who’ll earn $27.5 million this season, is a lock to get at least $33-$35 million per year in his next contract. Someone will pay. But will it be the Yankees? My crystal ball says no. They will let Bellinger walk.”

In the post-George Steinbrenner era, the Yankees have certainly been a tad more hesitant to back up the Brinks truck, but that doesn’t mean they won’t either.

While attempting to retain Juan Soto last offseason, New York was willing to go to $760 million over 16 years, and they already retained Aaron Judge to a nine-year $360 million contract a few years back.

But it’s apples and oranges.

Judge and Soto are perennial All Stars, who have built their career on consistency. And if they were to have down years, they make it up for the following season.

Bellinger, however, is a total wild card.

To start his career with the Dodgers, he seemed to be the next face of MLB. During his third season, he won the National League MVP, hitting .305, 47 home runs and 115 RBIs.

However, after that, his greatness disappeared.

He battled with injuries, but even when he was healthy, he was a total non-factor – posting three consecutive seasons with sub-.240 batting averages and each with less than 20 home runs.

The inconsistencies picked up again when he signed with the Cubs, and returned to his old form with a .307 average and 26 home runs, but the following season, his average plummeted 40 points and hit only 18 dingers.

Then, after arriving in the Bronx, Bellinger’s power returned, and he became a force with men on base hitting with runners in scoring position with a .335 average.

There’s no doubt that Bellinger is an impact player, but for a franchise that is often frugal on where they spend their dollars, a $35 million price tag for a wild card reeks of desperation.

If there’s a way that Bellinger can get a raise but at a discount, then perhaps there’s a chance the two can reconcile. But if the player wants his payday, the Bronx Bombers may opt to look elsewhere.