LOS ANGELES, CA — The possibility of Cody Bellinger making a dramatic return to the Los Angeles Dodgers has become one of the most compelling narratives of the MLB offseason. After successfully resurrecting his career following his departure from the Dodgers, the former NL MVP is now a prime free-agent target for his original club, setting the stage for an emotional and highly strategic reunion.
Dodgers fans, who watched Bellinger rise from rookie sensation to World Series champion, are reportedly eager for the homecoming, viewing it as a full-circle moment for a player who perfectly fits the team’s current needs.
The Strategic Fit: Left Field is Open
Even after winning back-to-back championships, the Dodgers’ roster features a significant need in the outfield, making the pursuit of Bellinger a practical move, not just a nostalgic one.
- The Void: The Left Field position remains wide open on the 2026 depth chart. While players like Teoscar Hernández, Andy Pages, and Alex Call are listed, Bellinger’s arrival would immediately solidify the position with an elite defender and a left-handed bat.
- Versatility: Bellinger’s ability to play all three outfield spots and fill in at first base provides the defensive flexibility the Dodgers highly value, ensuring depth behind Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts.
- The Left-Handed Bat: His left-handed power bat would add crucial balance to a lineup that is already potent but benefits immensely from switch-hitters or strong left-handed hitters.
The Contract and Competition
Bellinger is entering free agency after opting out of the final year of his contract, setting himself up for a substantial long-term deal.
| Contract Projection (Consensus) | Total Value | AAV |
| 5 to 6 years | $140M – $185M | $27M – $30M |
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While the New York Yankees and New York Mets are currently seen as strong, aggressive contenders, the emotional and strategic pull of the Dodgers is immense:
“That might make a reunion with Cody Bellinger their best fallback plan,” noted Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, adding that Bellinger “could be headed for a $30 million AAV payday,” a price the Dodgers are certainly capable of meeting.
A deal of this magnitude would be a significant investment but one that reunites a fan favorite with the franchise that drafted him, bolstering a team pushing for a three-peat.
The Epic Second Chapter
Dodgers fans’ enthusiasm stems from the potential for Bellinger’s second act to deliver the consistent MVP-level performance he showed in his prime. A successful return would heal the final emotional scars from his injury-plagued years and allow him to finish his career as a definitive Dodger legend.
The question for General Manager Andrew Friedman is whether the team is willing to match the market to bring back the ultimate comeback kid.
The Dodgers are also heavily rumored to be in the running for Kyle Tucker, the other premier free-agent outfielder. To gauge their priorities, would you like to compare the projected AAV of Cody Bellinger ($27M – $30M) with the latest projected AAV for Kyle Tucker?
