Having already exercised team options on Max Muncy and Alex Vesia, respectively, in addition to making tender decisions with arbitration-eligible players, the first move the Los Angeles Dodgers made in free agency was coming to terms with Miguel Rojas on a one-year contract.
Rojas’ deal is reportedly worth $5.5 million as he looks to play a 13th and final season before retiring. Rojas at that point then plans to transition into the Dodgers front office to assist with player development.
While re-signing the World Series hero certainly is a benefit, the Dodgers still face a need in their bullpen and outfield. They’ve been connected to a multitude of scenarios thus far, including a reunion with Cody Bellinger.
According to Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo of The Athletic, Bellinger might not be closed off to a return to the Dodgers organization:
Bellinger, however, is believed to be open to a return to Los Angeles, a source said.
The Dodgers’ interest in Bellinger was first reported in November. He became a free agent this offseason after declining a $20 million player option.
The 30-year-old is coming off a productive season with the New York Yankees after playing for the Chicago Cubs from 2023-2024. After failing to re-sign Juan Soto, the Yankees traded for Bellinger last December by sending Cody Poteet to the Cubs.
Chicago had signed the 2018 National League MVP winner to a three-year, $80 million contract in February 2023. Bellinger received a $30 million salary in both 2024 and 2025.
Cody Bellinger’s history with Dodgers
The Dodgers drafted Bellinger in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft. Bellinger made his MLB debut in 2017 and went on to win the Jackie Robinson National League Rookie of the Year Award as he helped the Dodgers reach the World Series.
In 2019, Bellinger earned a second career All-Star Game selection while also winning a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger in addition to the MVP Award. He regressed in 2020 but provided key hits for the Dodgers during their World Series run, only to suffer a dislocated right shoulder while celebrating a clutch homer in the NL Championship Series.
That required offseason surgery and it threw Bellinger off course from being one of baseball’s best players. The Dodgers chose to non-tender Bellinger after the 2022 season, making him a free agent.
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