Cody Bellinger has emerged as one of the most popular free agents following the Los Angeles Dodgers’ decision to non-tender him earlier this month.
There are believed to be at least 11 teams interested in Bellinger, including the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies. The Dodgers also hope to re-sign the 27-year-old at a lower cost than the likely $18 to $20 million he was set to receive via a final year of being eligible for salary arbitration.
When speaking to reporters last week, Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, revealed his client had received multi-year contract offers.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Bellinger is looking to sign a one-year deal this offseason, with the hope of reestablishing his value and becoming a free agent again next year:
Bellinger will seek a one-year deal to reset his value.
Bellinger took MLB by storm when he was called up to the Dodgers in 2017, earning an All-Star Game selection and National League Rookie of the Year honors.
The former fourth-round draft pick continued to shine in 2018 and enjoyed his best season the following year when he slugged 47 home runs and took home the 2019 NL MVP Award.
However, Bellinger has hit just .203/.272/.376 with 46 doubles, 41 home runs and 134 RBI in 295 games over the past three seasons. He bounced back some this year from the worst season of his career in 2021, but still had trouble making consistent contact.
Bellinger will be another year removed from shoulder surgery next season, and with the shift ban going into effect, there are reasons to believe he can bounce back in 2023.
Andrew Friedman: Dodgers can get Cody Bellinger ‘back on track’ if he re-signs
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is among those hoping Bellinger re-signs with L.A., as he believes the organization can help him return to his previous form.
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