Dodgers Free Agency Rumors: Cody Bellinger Interest

Because the Los Angeles Dodgers have a need in the outfield and Kyle Tucker is a marquee talent who is available, there’s some speculation of a fit existing.

Some general managers recently predicted the Dodgers as one of the three likely landing spots for Tucker, along with the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays being a perceived favorite to sign the 28-year-old.

Although the Dodgers have a need and seemingly the financial ability to sign Tucker, they may not be particularly keen on committing to a contract that figures to reach $400 million and potentially more.

Elsewhere in the outfielder market, the Dodgers reportedly are among the teams with interest in Yankees free agent Cody Bellinger, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan:

Beyond the Yankees, who would like a return engagement with Bellinger — particularly if Trent Grisham rejects a qualifying offer — the Blue Jays see him as a perfectly good alternative to Tucker. And the Dodgers, who nontendered Bellinger three years ago, have expressed interest as they peruse the outfield market.

Bellinger is coming off a productive season with the Yankees after playing for the Chicago Cubs from 2023-2024. After failing to re-sign Juan Soto, the Yankees completed a trade with the Cubs to acquire Bellinger last December in exchange for Cody Poteet.

For the Cubs, the trade was in response to acquiring Tucker, who now could end up replacing Bellinger on the Yankees roster. The Cubs had previously signed Bellinger to a three-year, $80 million contract in February. The deal included opt-outs after the first and second years.

Bellinger received a $30 million salary in 2024 and 2025. Had he not exercised the opt-out clause for 2026, Bellinger would have been paid $20 million by the Yankees in 2026.

Cody Bellinger back to the Dodgers?

The Dodgers drafted Bellinger in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft. Bellinger made his MLB debut with the team in 2017 and went on to earn Jackie Robinson National League Rookie of the Year honors as he helped the Dodgers reach the World Series.

Then in 2019, Bellinger won the NL MVP Award along with a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger, and earning a second career All-Star Game selection. He regressed in 2020 but provided key hits for the Dodgers in their World Series run, only to suffer a dislocated right shoulder while celebrating a home run in the National League Championship Series.

Offseason surgery followed and seemingly threw a wrench in Bellinger maintaining his status as one of baseball’s best players. The Dodgers chose to non-tender Bellinger after the 2022 season, making him a free agent.

He has rebounded with productive seasons while with the Cubs and Yankees, and could be in line for a long-term contract.