Aaron Judge. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Dodgers a 'more plausible landing spot' for Aaron Judge after Cody Bellinger decision?

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 11/18/22

The Los Angeles Dodgers were already seen as a possible suitor to sign American League MVP Aaron Judge. However, their odds of locking up this offseason's marquee free agent reportedly have gone up.

On Friday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Dodgers plan to non-tender outfielder Cody Bellinger, freeing up $17 million in salary, which Los Angles could use for a lucrative long-term deal with Judge.

According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, thanks to Bellinger's contract, and others, coming off the books, the Dodgers have become a "more plausible landing spot" for the AL MVP.

If #Dodgers non-tender Cody Bellinger, as many expect, they will become a more plausible landing spot for Aaron Judge. Thanks to multiple free agents, they have tens of millions coming off the books already; without Bellinger, they'd need to add an outfielder. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 18, 2022

Last Thursday, Jim Bowden of The Athletic mentioned that the Dodgers "are a real threat" to sign Judge. Bowden said shedding the contracts of Bellinger, Trea Turner, Justin Turner and Craig Kimbrel would be "more than enough" money to persuade Judge to leave the Bronx for sunny L.A.

When and if the Dodgers present Judge with a contract, the slugger will reportedly allow the Yankees the opportunity to match it, according to Bob Klapisch of NJ Advance Media.

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said this week that the team's high payroll wouldn't become a factor in negotiations with Judge. He added that he and Judge had several "very positive conversations" since the season ended.

Ahead of the 2022 season, Judge turned down a seven-year, $213.5 million contract extension from the Yankees, and it appears betting on himself was the right move. Tom Britton of The Athletic believes Judge will ultimately become the first position player to make $40 million a season, predicting he'll sign an eight-year contract worth $320 million.

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