Cody Bellinger Free Agency: Dodgers Emerge as Biggest Threat to Yankees in Outfielder Pursuit
Los Angeles, CA — After back-to-back World Series titles, the Los Angeles Dodgers are setting their sights on a historic three-peat, and the front office is leaving no stone unturned. The team has already shored up their bullpen with the acquisition of closer Edwin Diaz from the New York Mets, but attention is now turning to another potential reunion: former Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger.
Bellinger, who remains a free agent at 30 years old, is widely considered to be in the twilight of his career in terms of landing a “big-time” contract. His free agency has been closely monitored, with multiple teams expressing interest, including the New York Yankees and New York Mets. However, MLB play-by-play announcer Jenny Cavnar recently suggested that Bellinger’s biggest competition could come from the Dodgers themselves, rather than a rival American League team.
“If a contract is out to Cody Bellinger right now, it’s in his court,” Cavnar said on MLB Network Radio via SiriusXM on January 2. “It’s in his court and his agency’s court. They’re countering, they’re listening to other offers. Who do you think the biggest competition is? I don’t think it’s a team from the American League. I think their biggest competition is going to be the reigning World Series champs. You want to talk about a reunion.”
The notion of returning to Los Angeles is appealing for several reasons. Bellinger, a former Dodgers star, would be rejoining a team already familiar with his skills, culture, and clubhouse presence. The Dodgers have also addressed roster concerns in the outfield and could offer Bellinger a chance to compete for another World Series in a familiar environment.
Cavnar highlighted the potential emotional appeal of a reunion with the Dodgers:
“He could either reunite in New York and go right back and run it back, or he could go, ‘I’ve been watching from the other coast; I remember when we won a World Series when I was a Dodger in 2020,'” Cavnar said. “We didn’t have those big celebrations like they’ve had the last two years. Man, the sunshine, playing ‘I Love LA’ after the games. I don’t know. I think the West Coast could maybe lure him back. That could be a very interesting fit if the Dodgers did indeed decide to pursue him.”
On the other hand, a return to New York remains a logical and practical path. Bellinger posted strong numbers at Yankee Stadium in 2025, hitting .272 with 160 hits, 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 89 runs scored over 152 games, according to StatMuse. Analysts note that his ability to protect Aaron Judge in the lineup, combined with his versatility in the infield and outfield, makes him a valuable asset for manager Aaron Boone.
“Cody Bellinger is the obvious choice because he was just there, and he performed really well in Yankee Stadium,” said SNY analyst Dani Wexelman on December 31. “He is a really nice fit with the team. He’s an even better fit behind Aaron Judge to protect him. And he gives Aaron Boone so many options, right? A guy who is above average on the infield and in the outfield is an incredible resource, and a guy who can be versatile in that way.”
The decision ultimately lies with Bellinger and his agency, who are carefully weighing long-term fit, potential for championships, and contract terms. At 30, Bellinger is in the prime window for a final major contract, making this decision one of the most consequential of his career.
From the Dodgers’ perspective, adding Bellinger would provide immediate firepower in the lineup, addressing a potential outfield gap while bolstering a team already loaded with talent. The franchise has demonstrated a commitment to winning now, and bringing back a former star who is familiar with the clubhouse could also enhance team chemistry and morale.
Meanwhile, Bellinger’s offensive profile makes him a high-value target for any contending team. In addition to his 2025 Yankee stats, he offers elite on-base skills, power potential, and defensive versatility, all traits that contribute to sustained success over a long playoff run. His ability to hit in clutch situations and protect other stars in the lineup adds an additional layer of strategic appeal.
The broader context also cannot be ignored: the Dodgers have already won consecutive titles, creating a compelling case for players seeking a winning environment. The combination of competitive success, familiarity with the franchise, and opportunity for personal legacy could make Los Angeles a strong lure for Bellinger as he navigates free agency.
As of now, negotiations appear in the early stages, with Bellinger and his agency listening to offers while weighing both American League and National League suitors. The eventual decision could shape the contending landscape for 2026, either strengthening the Dodgers’ bid for a three-peat or reinforcing the Yankees’ lineup in pursuit of their own championship ambitions.
For the Dodgers, a reunion with Bellinger would represent a full-circle moment, bringing back a player who contributed to past success while complementing a roster designed to sustain championship contention. For Bellinger, the choice may hinge as much on personal and emotional factors as on financial and competitive considerations, making this one of the most intriguing free agency sagas of the offseason.
