Cody Bellinger is back on the open market, and once again, his name is connected to the Los Angeles Dodgers. After a bounce-back season with the New York Yankees and an expected decision to opt out of his contract, the former National League MVP is positioned for another major payday in free agency.
The Dodgers, fresh off consecutive World Series titles, are the clear favorite again, according to American social sports betting apps. They are still searching for clarity in their outfield picture and have been linked to Bellinger since early in the offseason. DodgerBlue.com previously reported that the organization expressed interest in a possible reunion, and Bellinger is believed to be open to returning to Los Angeles after three seasons away from Chavez Ravine.
Bellinger’s Free Agency Landscape
Bellinger declined a $20 million player option with the Yankees and is expected to command a lucrative multi-year deal. His age, defensive versatility, and offensive production have positioned him near the top of the market. Early projections from national outlets pegged his contract range around six years and well north of $160 million, with some estimates moving closer to $180 million as the market has developed.
Several factors have contributed to his value increasing. Recent deals for middle-of-the-order bats and corner outfielders have pushed prices higher across the league, and Bellinger’s ability to contribute in all three outfield spots and at first base adds a layer of appeal that many free agents cannot match. The combination of power, on-base skills, and solid defense gives clubs a clear picture of an everyday impact player.
Big-Market Bidding War
The Dodgers are not alone in their pursuit. The Yankees remain interested in bringing Bellinger back after his successful season in the Bronx, while the New York Mets also loom as a serious suitor. Former general manager and current analyst Jim Bowden recently characterized the market as “robust,” noting that the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers are viewed as the most likely landing spots, in that order.
That aligns with broader industry expectations. Big-market, win-now teams with precise outfield needs are natural fits for a player in Bellinger’s position, and all three clubs have both the payroll capacity and competitive urgency to justify a significant long-term investment. For the Dodgers, the question is not whether Bellinger makes them better, but whether he represents the best use of their remaining financial flexibility.
Dodgers’ Outfield Picture And Fit
The Dodgers entered the offseason with questions in the outfield despite another deep postseason run. While the lineup remains one of the most potent in baseball, there is still room to add a left-handed bat with power who can play quality defense in multiple spots. That profile describes Bellinger as well as almost anyone on the market.
Los Angeles has been connected to other high-end options, including Kyle Tucker, and the front office has signaled a willingness to be patient as the positional market evolves. If a trade for a cost-controlled star fails to materialize, pivoting to Bellinger on a free-agent deal would address both lineup balance and defensive versatility. He could play center field, shift to a corner when needed, or slide to first base depending on health and matchups.
From both a roster-construction and clubhouse standpoint, Bellinger is a familiar piece. He spent the first six years of his career with the Dodgers, won an MVP award in Los Angeles, and played a central role on the 2020 World Series team. The organization is familiar with his strengths, work habits, and the adjustments he has made since leaving. That familiarity reduces risk compared to other marquee free agents.
Financial And Contract Considerations
The financial component remains the primary hurdle. Bellinger’s camp, led by agent Scott Boras, has historically maximized market leverage and shown a willingness to wait out the winter for top dollar. That approach appears to be in play once again, with indications that his sweepstakes could extend until other high-profile outfielders, such as Tucker, find homes.
The Dodgers have demonstrated a willingness to commit long-term money when the fit is correct. Still, they have also been selective about where and when they exceed their internal valuations. Committing six or more years at a premium annual value to Bellinger would likely require an apparent belief that his recent resurgence is sustainable and that his swing changes have permanently moved him past the struggles that led to his non-tender after the 2022 season.
Still, the escalating cost of elite position players and the Dodgers’ ongoing championship window both support the logic of considering such a move. The front office has built enough payroll flexibility and organizational depth to absorb a major contract if they believe it meaningfully raises their ceiling in October.
How Likely Is A Reunion?
A Bellinger-Dodgers reunion is plausible but far from guaranteed. The Yankees have an obvious motivation to retain him after losing Juan Soto and relying heavily on Bellinger’s production last season. The Mets, striving to keep pace in the National League and bolster their lineup, add another big-market bidder to the mix.
For the Dodgers, much may depend on how the rest of the offseason unfolds. If they miss other preferred targets or see Bellinger’s market settle into a range they find acceptable, their longstanding interest could quickly shift into more serious negotiations. If the bidding escalates beyond their comfort level, they may pivot to shorter-term options or consider alternative trades.
DodgerBlue.com has previously noted that Bellinger is not closing the door on returning to Los Angeles, and the Dodgers have not tried to hide their ongoing search for another high-impact bat. That combination keeps the door open, even if they are not currently viewed as the favorite.
Cody Bellinger’s Career To Date
Bellinger’s career arc is one of the most dramatic of any recent Dodger. He debuted with Los Angeles in 2017 and immediately emerged as a star, winning National League Rookie of the Year honors after slugging 39 home runs and helping the Dodgers reach the World Series. His left-handed power, athleticism, and ability to play both the outfield and first base quickly made him a cornerstone of the franchise.
His peak arrived in 2019, when he captured the National League MVP award with one of the most dominant seasons in recent club history. Bellinger combined elite power with improved plate discipline and Gold Glove-caliber defense in the outfield, solidifying his status as one of the game’s premier all-around players. He followed that with a strong 2020 postseason run, including key hits and highlight-reel defense as the Dodgers won their first World Series title since 1988.
The years that followed were more turbulent. A shoulder injury sustained during the 2020 postseason and subsequent surgery impacted his swing and production. Bellinger struggled through 2021 and 2022, leading the Dodgers to non-tender him rather than face another arbitration year. That decision sent him into free agency for the first time, marking a surprising split between player and team.
A fresh start with the Chicago Cubs in 2023 revived his career. Bellinger earned Comeback Player of the Year honors while re-establishing himself as a middle-of-the-order threat. He then signed with the Yankees, where he continued to produce at a high level, showing that his rebound was not a one-year fluke. Across his career to date, Bellinger has accumulated multiple All-Star selections, major awards, and a championship ring, while logging over 200 home runs and more than 600 runs driven in.
Now, as he enters yet another pivotal offseason, Bellinger sits at the intersection of past success in Los Angeles and present value on the open market. Whether that path leads him back to Dodger Stadium remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the winter for fans of both Bellinger and the Dodgers, and DodgerBlue.com will remain a central place to track every development.
