NEW YORK – Cody Bellinger and the New York Yankees have cemented a five-year deal valued at $162.5 million, ensuring the power hitter remains a fixture in their lineup.

The agreement, finalized on Monday after initial terms were set last Wednesday pending a successful physical examination, includes a $20 million signing bonus. This bonus will be disbursed in two installments, the first on April 1 and the second on August 1, along with a full no-trade clause.

In terms of salary, Bellinger is slated to earn $32.5 million each for the initial two years, followed by $25.8 million for the subsequent two years, and $25.9 million in the final year, 2030.

Bellinger also holds the option to explore free agency after either the 2027 or 2028 seasons. However, should a labor stoppage occur in 2027 resulting in canceled games, the opt-out periods will be adjusted to post-2028 and 2029.

Bellinger, a two-time All-Star who joined the Yankees from the Chicago Cubs in December 2024, showcased his prowess last season by hitting .272, with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs. Notably, at Yankee Stadium, he achieved a .302 average, smashing 18 home runs and driving in 55 RBIs. As a left-handed batter, he appeared in 149 games in the outfield and seven at first base, marking his first season since 2022 without landing on the injured list.

He is a son of former Yankees player Clay Bellinger.

Voted the 2017 National League Rookie of the Year and 2019 NL MVP, Bellinger has a .261 career batting average with 225 homers and 695 RBIs in eight seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2018-22), the Cubs (2023-24) and the Yankees.

He earned $57.5 million from the $80 million, three-year contract he reached with the Cubs before the 2024 season. Bellinger declined a $25 million option for 2026 in favor of a $5 million buyout.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB