The Los Angeles Dodgers are actively pursuing a reunion with former NL MVP and fan-favorite Cody Bellinger, viewing him as the most sensible premier outfield solution amidst the competitive frenzy surrounding the top free agent, Kyle Tucker.
Bellinger, who opted out of his contract with the New York Yankees, is now the focus of a major bidding war involving at least four serious contenders, including his former team.
The Competition: A Four-Team Chase
While the Dodgers are openly interested, they face intense competition from teams looking to secure a Gold Glove-caliber defender with left-handed power:
| Team | Rationale |
| New York Yankees | Top Priority: The Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman has repeatedly called Bellinger their No. 1 target this offseason, preferring him over Kyle Tucker due to his defensive versatility and history in New York. |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | The Reunion Narrative: Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, has confirmed that his client would “welcome a return” to the team where he won Rookie of the Year and MVP. The Dodgers need an impact left-handed bat and an outfield defensive upgrade after the struggles of Michael Conforto in 2025. |
| Philadelphia Phillies | The Lurkers: The Phillies are always ready to make a major splash and are reportedly “lurking” as a serious bidder to fortify their outfield and deepen their lineup for a championship push. |
| Los Angeles Angels | The Local Option: The Angels have “checked in” on Bellinger to fill an outfield need and make a splash with a Southern California star, although they are considered the lesser threat among the four due to their lack of immediate contention. |
The Contract Prediction
The bidding war is expected to land Bellinger a long-term, high-value contract. This is a massive improvement from his previous one-year deal, reflecting his strong 2025 bounce-back season (.272 AVG, 29 HR, .813 OPS).
- Predicted Contract: Analysts project Bellinger to secure a deal in the range of 5-7 years, valued between $140 million and $182 million.
- The Dodger Strategy: The Dodgers are reportedly not expected to be the highest bidder for Kyle Tucker ($400M+), making Bellinger’s slightly lower price tag and high-floor production a more appealing target for President Andrew Friedman.
Ultimately, the Dodgers view Bellinger as a player who can seamlessly step into left field, provide elite defense (7 Outs Above Average in 2025), and offer the left-handed production they desperately need. The emotional appeal of a “Hollywood Reunion” may be the tie-breaker they need to beat the Yankees.
