Bellinger Lands Massive Deal with Opt-Outs

Cody Bellinger has agreed to terms on a new contract that includes a $20 million signing bonus and no salary deferrals. The agreement features player-friendly opt-out clauses after both the second and third years of the contract, providing Bellinger the flexibility to test the free-agent market again if his performance warrants it.

Initial negotiations between Bellinger's agent, Scott Boras, and the team reportedly stalled over contract length. Boras had pursued a seven-year deal, while the team held firm on a five-year structure exceeding $150 million. The recent market movements for other players, such as Kyle Tucker joining the Dodgers and the Mets acquiring Bo Bichette and Luis Robert Jr., narrowed Bellinger's options and facilitated a compromise.