3 Free Agent Fits for Cody Bellinger

Cody Bellinger's up-and-down season streak has continued this year, with another free agent-worthy 'up' season, in which he's lit it up with the Bronx Bombers. Bellinger's numbers with the New York Yankees—.271 average, .815 OPS, 29 HR, 97 RBIs—puts him squarely in the driver's seat once again for free agency.

He will almost certainly opt out of his player option for 2026 of $25 million, and instead look for that elusive long-term nine-figure deal that he's been searching for ever since 2023 when he posted his big comeback-from-the-dead season with the Chicago Cubs. 

So, back on the open market beginning this November, who will be the three best free agent fits for Belli? Let's run through them:

Philadelphia Phillies would be in on Bellinger

The Phillies have been looking for another All-Star outfielder ever since being forced to move Bryce Harper to the infield (or DH) back in 2022. They'll likely be one of the biggest bidders on Kyle Tucker this offseason as well, who will undoubtedly be their top choice (after getting their own DH, Kyle Schwarber to re-sign). But Bellinger would be a nice consolation prize. 

Houston Astros in desperate need of OF punch, like Bellinger

The Astros are on the verge of dropping out of the playoff picture, tied for the third and final Wild Card spot in the AL after dropping three straight to division rival Seattle. If they miss the postseason (and even if they don't), one of the areas they'll surely be looking to upgrade is the outfield. They are dead last in the majors in homers by center fielders this season, and generally, from left to right, their outfield production has not been impressive. 

Sure would be nice to have Kyle Tucker back, wouldn't it? Since that's not going to happen, Bellinger would be a strong target for the Astros to go after. 

Will Bellinger re-sign with the New York Yankees?

After his tremendous fit in Yankee Stadium this season, Bellinger—and the Yankees themselves—would be foolish not to strongly consider continuing this marriage. New York must figure out what it's going to do with its young outfield depth this offseason, like elite prospect Spencer Jones, who's been tearing it up in the minors, and Jasson Dominguez, the former No. 1 prospect who's had a very pedestrian (at best) first full season in the majors. If they decide that one or both of them are not part of the immediate future, then re-signing Bellinger would be crucial.

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