Cole opts out, Bellinger opts in, per reports

MLB Rumors: New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole has opted out of the remaining four years of his contract, while Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger has elected not to opt out of his deal, per multiple reports.

Cole opting out was expected, and he will almost certainly not hit the open market, as the Yankees can void the opt-out by adding another year to his deal at $36 million. That would keep Cole in New York for his age 34-38 seasons at $180 million total. One can argue that, after pitching just 95 innings due to arm issues, the Yankees should let the 2023 Cy Young Award winner test the market rather than guarantee the $180 million. That seems, however, pretty unlikely.

Cody Bellinger…