The Los Angeles Dodgers have needs in their bullpen and outfield but up to this point have yet to make a move in free agency as the start of MLB’s annual Winter Meetings draws near.
They were among the teams connected to Raisel Iglesias, who returned to the Atlanta Braves on a one-year, $16 million contract despite receiving a similar offer from the Dodgers. That was followed shortly after by Devin Williams, another reported Dodgers free agent target, signing with the New York Mets.
As for the outfield, an abundance of options still remain available, including Cody Bellinger. His market reportedly includes interest from big teams, with the Dodgers possibly among the Mets, New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies, according to Jon Morosi on MLB Network:
“Cody Bellinger, a very popular name right now across Major League Baseball. I was told that no fewer than three large-market teams are actively courting Cody Bellinger. Yes, the two New York teams, and then potentially also the Phillies and the Dodgers. So maybe actually four big-market teams are showing interest in Bellinger.”
Bellinger became a free agent by declining a $25 million player option to opt out of the final year of his contract. He instead received a $5 million buyout, of which half was paid by the Chicago Cubs.
Bellinger had previously signed a three-year, $80 million contract with the Cubs that included opt-outs after the first two seasons. He was traded to the Yankees last December after they failed to re-sign Juan Soto.
Although Bellinger opted out of his deal, he expressed interest in remaining with the Yankees. But that was prior to Trent Grisham accepting the qualifying offer from the team, and while that might not preclude Bellinger re-signing, the Yankees’ reported interest in Kyle Tucker could.
While with the Yankees, Bellinger hit .272/.334/.480 with 25 doubles, five triples, 29 home runs and 98 RBI over 152 games.
How would Cody Bellinger fit in Dodgers reunion?
The Dodgers certainly are plenty familiar with Bellinger and his versatility, having drafted him in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft.
This past season, Bellinger made MLB history in the Modern Era (since 1901) by starting 59 games in left field, 38 in center and 48 more in right. No other player had ever started that many games at the three positions in a single season since 1901, per STATS.
If Bellinger made his way back to the Dodgers, he could fill their need in left field or play center field and allow the team to move Andy Pages to a corner spot. Another option would be having Bellinger occasionally spell Freddie Freeman at first base if the veteran is in need of some rest.
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