Story perspectives

Bellinger Declines World Baseball Classic, Shocking Team USA Coach

3/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cody Bellinger, Yankees outfielder, opted out of participating in World Baseball Classic, disappointing United States national team manager Mark DeRosa.
Mark DeRosa expressed devastation about the decision during an interview, noting Bellinger's potential as a fifth Yankee and that Bellinger has never worn the United States jersey.
Bellinger recently signed a five-year, $162.5 million contract.
He stated that the timing was not right to represent the United States in the future.

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Story summary

Cody Bellinger, Yankees outfielder, opted out of participating in World Baseball Classic, disappointing United States national team manager Mark DeRosa.
Mark DeRosa expressed devastation about the decision during an interview, noting Bellinger's potential as a fifth Yankee and that Bellinger has never worn the United States jersey.
Bellinger recently signed a five-year, $162.5 million contract.
He stated that the timing was not right to represent the United States in the future.