New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger will not exercise the $25 million player option in his contract and will instead become a free agent this offseason, reports MLB.com . The decision will not be made official until after the World Series, when the offseason begins. Bellinger will be due a $5 million buyout, so it's really a $20 million decision.

"Yeah, absolutely," Bellinger said after the Yankees were eliminated in the ALDS when asked if he would be open to returning to the team in 2026. "I had an unbelievable time putting on this uniform. Yankee Stadium, the fans, the organization, the culture that these guys have created in this locker room. It really is special."

Bellinger, 30, had a terrific season in New York, hitting .272/.334/.480 with 29 homers and 3 stolen bases

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