NOT A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE: THE COLD STRATEGY BEHIND THE BELLINGER BUZZ
LOS ANGELES, CA—The reports of a potential reunion between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cody Bellinger are spreading like wildfire, but those close to the situation suggest that “sentimentality” is the last thing on Andrew Friedman’s mind. While the narrative of the 2019 MVP returning to where it all began (2017–2022) is perfect for jersey sales, the Dodgers’ interest is being described in league circles as a calculated power play designed to solve three specific problems at once.
As of December 18, 2025, the Dodgers are reportedly using their “Goliath” status to dictate a market that currently includes the Yankees, Mets, Giants, and Blue Jays.
THE THREE-FOLD STRATEGY: WHY NOW?
Inside the “Pitching Lab” culture of Chavez Ravine, the front office isn’t chasing the 2019 version of Cody. They are targeting the 2025 Yankees version: a defensive “chameleon” who hit 29 home runs and struck out a career-low 13.7% of the time.
- The Left-Field “Black Hole”: In 2025, the Dodgers’ left-fielders collectively batted a dismal .229. Bellinger, who spent the majority of his 2025 season in left for the Yankees, provides an immediate, Gold-Glove caliber solution.
- Positional “Insurance”: With Freddie Freeman entering his age-36 season and Kiké Hernández currently recovering from elbow surgery, Bellinger’s ability to play elite First Base and all three Outfield spots creates a “safety net” that allows Dave Roberts to rotate stars for rest without losing defensive value.
- Market Leverage: By aggressively checking in on Bellinger, the Dodgers are effectively “pinning” the New York teams. If the Yankees or Mets want Belli, they now have to overpay to outbid a Dodgers team that just dropped $69 million on Edwin Díaz.
THE “REBORN” BELLINGER: A 2025 RÉSUMÉ
The Cody Bellinger of 2025 was a different beast than the one who was non-tendered by LA in 2022. He has become one of the league’s premier “bat-to-ball” threats.
| Metric | 2022 (Last Year in LA) | 2025 (Yankees) | The Improvement |
| Strikeout Rate | 27.3% | 13.7% | Nearly a 50% reduction in whiffs. |
| Home Runs | 19 | 29 | His highest total since 2019. |
| Defensive Value | +1 OAA | +6 OAA | Elite range across all three OF spots. |
| WAR (fWAR) | 1.7 | 4.9 | A top-10 OF performance in the American League. |
THE FINANCIAL STICKING POINT: $30M A YEAR?
Scott Boras is reportedly seeking a deal in the neighborhood of $165 million over six years (roughly $27M–$30M annually). While the Dodgers have the capital, insiders believe Friedman is angling for a higher AAV on a shorter-term deal (e.g., 3 years / $95M with an opt-out) to keep the roster flexible for the 2027 “Mega-Class.”
“The Dodgers aren’t looking for a legacy act,” one rival executive noted. “They’re looking for a weapon that can play four positions and lengthen the lineup. If they get Belli, they aren’t just getting an outfielder; they’re getting the most versatile chess piece in baseball.”
THE “NEXT DOMINO”: WAITING ON TUCKER
The “strategic timing” mentioned in recent reports is no accident. Boras is reportedly waiting for Kyle Tucker to sign his massive deal before finalizing Bellinger’s market. By hovering as a “serious suitor,” the Dodgers are ensuring that when the first domino falls, they are in the best position to strike.
