Category Archives: contracts

Cody Bellinger and the Yankees finalize $162.5 million, 5-year contract

NEW YORK — Cody Bellinger and the New York Yankees have finalized a $162.5 million, five-year contract that keeps the slugger in pinstripes.

Bellinger became the last of the top free-agent hitters to reach a deal this offseason when the sides agreed to terms last Wednesday, subject to a successful physical. The contract includes a $20 million signing bonus, split evenly with half payable on April 1 and the remainder on August 1, along with a full no-trade provision.

Under the agreement, Bellinger will receive a $32.5 million salary in each of the first two seasons, $25.8 million in the next two, and $25.9 million in 2030. He also holds the right to opt out after the 2027 or 2028 seasons to become a free agent again. However, if there is a work stoppage that results in no games being played in 2027, the opt-out dates will shift to after the 2028 and 2029 seasons.

A two-time All-Star, Bellinger was acquired by the Yankees from the Chicago Cubs in December 2024. Last year, he hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs, including a .302 average with 18 homers and 55 RBIs at Yankee Stadium. The left-handed hitter played 149 games in the outfield and seven at first base during his first healthy season since 2022, without a stint on the injured list.

Cody is the son of former Yankees player Clay Bellinger. Voted the 2017 National League Rookie of the Year and 2019 NL MVP, he boasts a career .261 batting average with 225 home runs and 695 RBIs across eight seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2018-22), the Cubs (2023-24), and now the Yankees.

Prior to this contract, Bellinger earned $57.5 million from the $80 million, three-year deal he signed with the Cubs before the 2024 season. He declined a $25 million option for 2026 in favor of a $5 million buyout.
https://www.clickorlando.com/news/2026/01/27/cody-bellinger-and-the-yankees-finalize-1625-million-5-year-contract/

Christian Braun agrees to $125M, 5-year extension with Denver Nuggets

DENVER (AP) — Shooting guard Christian Braun has agreed to a $125 million, five-year contract extension with the Denver Nuggets, his agent Bill Duffy confirmed to The Associated Press. The deal was first reported by ESPN.

The 24-year-old Braun is coming off a season in which he solidified his place in the Nuggets’ starting lineup, averaging 15.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Known for his high-energy defense and hustle, Braun fits seamlessly alongside Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon.

Braun is also sporting a new look this season, debuting a buzz cut hairstyle. Standing 6-foot-6, he was selected by Denver with the 21st overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft after a collegiate career at Kansas, where he won a national title.

During his rookie season, Braun played a key role in helping the Nuggets capture their first NBA championship. He scored a career-high 30 points last April against the Indiana Pacers. In last season’s playoff run, Braun averaged 12.6 points and 6.4 rebounds, although Denver’s journey ended in a seven-game second-round loss to the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Looking ahead, the Nuggets remain among the favorites to compete for an NBA crown this season. The team has a fresh look following the trade of Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn in exchange for Cam Johnson, as well as a separate deal with Sacramento to acquire big man Jonas Valanciunas.

Denver also added veterans Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown, the latter of whom, alongside Braun, was a key contributor off the bench during the Nuggets’ 2023 title run.
https://www.denver7.com/sports/nuggets/christian-braun-agrees-to-125m-5-year-extension-with-denver-nuggets