Yankees’ Cody Bellinger makes $25 million contract option decision
The New York Yankees were unable to defend their American League crown during the 2025 MLB playoffs, failing to take advantage of what seemed to be a disparity in starting pitching depth and offensive firepower. Fresh off a four-game defeat versus the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL Division Series, another trying offseason awaits. The question most fans are asking is will Cody Bellinger return? The impactful outfielder plans to opt out of his contract, per ESPN's Jorge Castillo.
Following a productive 2025 campaign in which he batted .272 with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, a .480 slugging percentage and .813 OPS, the expectation was that Bellinger would decline his $25 million player option and once again test the open market. The 2019 National League MVP continued his October troubles, slashing .214/.258/.393/.651 in 28-at bats against the Boston Red Sox and Blue Jays (did have a heel issue), but he was one of the Yankees' most trustworthy contributors for most of the year.
Since Bellinger has now put together a couple of impressive seasons in the last few years, a nice payday seems inevitable. Longtime general manager Brian Cashman has a big decision to make, as he tries to re-establish New York as the team to beat in the AL. If the Yankees want the two-time Silver Slugger and former Gold Glover bad enough, they should be able to bring him back.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. will be a free agent after next season and could also command a pretty penny after a career 2025 campaign, which is something the organization could be contemplating this winter. Yes, the Hal Steinbrenner-owned franchise has the means to re-sign all their core guys, but management could exercise some restraint.
A 30-year-old who has a lengthy injury history like Cody Bellinger may not be worth the risk to everyone, especially if he is one of the more expensive free agents. The left-handed hitter wore the Pinstripes well, however, making plays with both his bat and glove. His ability to hit for average while also wielding difference-making power adds crucial balance to a lineup that led MLB in OPS, slugging and home runs in 2025.
If Bellinger is not in The Bronx next year, Yankees fans will demand a worthy replacement.
Former GM Pitches Absurd Maxx Crosby Trade to Tom Brady’s Old Team
Though Maxx Crosby
With Las Vegas starting 1-4 and heading in the wrong direction, there’s been renewed trade talk surrounding Crosby’s name. If the Raiders made him available, there would be no shortage of teams interested.
He’s one of the best defensive players in the NFL and could help pretty much every team in the league. He’s the face of the Raiders, so they won’t give him up without getting a haul in return. That said, former NFL general manager and ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum believes that Crosby could be had without a team having to give up a first-round pick.
“This one’s a no-brainer: Maxx Crosby for a second and a fourth-round pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,” Tannenbaum said on ESPN’s “Get Up.”
When pressed about the asking price being too low, Tannenbaum cited durability concerns as to why the Raiders shouldn’t expect a first-round pick in return.
Raiders Would Never Accept Tannenbaum’s Trade Pitch
Just to get this out of the way, Tannenbaum’s trade pitch makes zero sense whatsoever. In what world do the Raiders give up an All-Pro 28-year-old pass rusher without getting at least one first-round pick in the deal?
Some would argue that Crosby is a better player than Parsons, but even if he isn’t, that doesn’t mean he’s worth a fraction of the price. The only reason the Raiders would even consider trading their best player would be to stock up on assets to build toward the future.
A second and fourth round pick does not move the needle at all. The Buccaneers make some sense as a possible trade partner, as minority owner Tom Brady used to play there and general manager John Spytek worked there for years, but they aren’t going to give them a discount for one of the premier defenders in the NFL.
Will Crosby Want a Trade?
Crosby has openly talked about how he wants to spend his whole career with the Raiders. He’s been through a lot of ups and downs with the team, and wants to be part of the franchise when they start winning again.
However, he’s also very competitive and wants to win. The Raiders haven’t won a playoff game since the 2002 season, when Crosby was five or six years old. Even Super Bowl-winning head coach Pete Carroll can’t seem to figure out how to turn the franchise around.
Crosby only has so many years left of being in his athletic prime. If the Raiders lose to a bad Tennessee Titans team in Week 6 at home, it’s easy to see the defensive end getting more frustrated. Las Vegas likely doesn’t make a trade unless Crosby asks for one, but those thoughts are probably starting to creep into his head.
