The New York Yankees have a choice to make that could shape the course of their roster for years to come. Cody Bellinger officially opted out of his $25 million player option for the 2026 season, forcing the Yankees to decide whether to bring him back on a long-term deal or pivot toward a younger, higher-upside option like Kyle Tucker.

It’s a decision that goes beyond just numbers. It’s about balancing reliability and risk, age and upside, and whether the Yankees believe Bellinger’s resurgence in 2025 is sustainable enough to justify another big commitment.

Bellinger’s resurgence makes his case strong

Bellinger reminded everyone of the talent that once made him one of baseball’s brightest stars. At 30 years old, he proved that when healthy and confident, he can be a game-changer in the

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