The Yankees’ 2025 season is officially in the books. After that late push that had fans believing, the Bombers ultimately fell just short of reaching the ALCS. And now, the focus shifts to the front office and what’s next. Reportedly, a few key players are heading into free agency, and the biggest name among them is Cody Bellinger. He’s got a $25 million player option for next season but hasn’t yet decided whether to opt out.

For the Yankees, though, he would come with a cost because he was a steady presence in the Yankees’ lineup this year, hitting .272 with 29 HRs and 98 RBIs. Fortunately, Bellinger also made it clear that he’d be happy to stay in pinstripes. “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’s special.”

Now, that’s something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Aaron Judge, who’s reportedly urging GM Brian Cashman to get a deal done.

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We got a lot of winning players in here. A lot of guys that played the game the right way and helped make this team, who it is. And, you mentioned a couple right there with Grisham and Bellinger. Two guys who had incredible years. It was fun to watch them. Fun to learn from them, and hopefully we can run them back and see what happens.” Take that, Cashman, the captain got a message for you…

Reportedly, Bellinger’s 5 WAR this season ranked second on the Yankees, behind only Aaron Judge. So, it was exactly the kind of steady, balanced production the Yankees needed in their righty-heavy lineup.

Regarding his contract, the Yankees acquired Bellinger’s $80 million deal with the Cubs. Now, the next decision looms with a $25 million player option for 2026. If he turns it down, he still walks away with a $2.5 million buyout.

That makes the Yankees’ offseason all the more interesting. If Bellinger hits free agency, Kyle Tucker could be another option. Despite a low-key season, Tucker still managed a 136 wRC+ with the Cubs. Still, with Bellinger represented by Scott Boras, a team-friendly deal is off the table, though he’d likely cost less than Tucker, who’s expected to be the top free agent available.

The Yankees are in a tough choice to make

Although Aaron Judge’s vote is for Bellinger, the Yankees’ front office has a tough choice to make from the available options.

For instance, if the Yankees lose Bellinger, there are other names they could look at, like Cedric Mullins, Max Kepler, or even a reunion with Harrison Bader. But the issue is, none of those players can quite match what Bellinger brought to the table. He notably covered all three outfield spots and filled in at first base when needed, giving the team rare flexibility.

Well, Tucker has long been linked to the Yankees, but landing him would come at a hefty price. He could command a deal worth as much as $200 million more than Bellinger. And that’s a gap that makes Bellinger a more realistic option.

So, what’s next?

If the Yankees want to keep Bellinger, they could try to work out an extension before his option decision, possibly tearing up the current deal and restructuring it for longer-term security. But if he opts out, they’ll have to decide whom to pursue in the offseason. However, with Bellinger got the Yankees clubhouse at his back, fans could hope for a patch-up for the next year.