The New York Yankees secured a major win in free agency last winter by retaining outfielder Cody Bellinger with a five-year contract worth $162.5 million. The deal ensured the 31-year-old slugger would remain in the Bronx, continuing his career in pinstripes after an impressive debut season with the club.
Bellinger stood out as the Yankees’ primary target throughout the offseason. Club officials maintained a measured approach in their contract discussions with the veteran, refusing to rush into an overpay. As other interested teams shifted their focus elsewhere, Bellinger’s representatives, led by prominent agent Scott Boras, returned to negotiations with New York and finalized the agreement.
Among the teams that showed early interest were the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fresh off another World Series title, the Dodgers aimed to bolster their already formidable lineup. Bellinger launched his professional journey with the organization in Chavez Ravine, where he quickly emerged as one of the league’s brightest talents during his initial seasons.
The Dodgers ultimately stepped away from pursuing Bellinger after committing a substantial contract to another left-handed outfielder, Kyle Tucker. With the two clubs set to face off in the Bronx this weekend, Bellinger opened up about the earlier conversations regarding a potential homecoming to Los Angeles.
“There was definitely a possibility,” Bellinger said. “There was some dialogue there, for sure.”
Bellinger’s early years with the Dodgers were marked by remarkable success and accolades. He earned National League Rookie of the Year honors in 2017, followed by NLCS MVP in 2018 and the NL MVP award in 2019. He also contributed to the team’s World Series victory in 2020, cementing his place in franchise history during that golden stretch.
Challenges mounted for Bellinger in subsequent campaigns. A difficult 2021 season carried over with limited progress in 2022, prompting the Dodgers to non-tender the former standout. He then moved on to the Chicago Cubs as a free agent, beginning a new chapter away from Southern California.
Despite the rocky conclusion to his Dodgers tenure, Bellinger prefers to highlight the positive aspects of his time there. He maintains a deep appreciation for the organization and the shared accomplishments.
“There’s nothing but love and respect between us,” Bellinger said. “I think we accomplished some amazing things. I know, for me, I think about the good memories over there. We had a lot of them.”
During his free agency process, Bellinger prioritized joining a contender capable of chasing another championship. Both the Dodgers and Yankees aligned with that vision. Factors such as securing long-term stability for his family, combined with Los Angeles’ decision to sign Tucker, ultimately steered him back toward the Yankees as the remaining option.
Bellinger also brought a personal tie to the Yankees organization. His father, Clay Bellinger, earned World Series rings with the team in 1999 and 2000, adding an emotional layer to the decision to join the storied franchise.
Bellinger made an immediate impact in his first year with the New York Yankees. His 4.9 fWAR marked his strongest performance since capturing MVP honors in 2019. He further distinguished himself by earning All-Star Game MVP recognition during that campaign.
In the current season, Bellinger has delivered steady production across 95 games, posting a 2.6 fWAR. He is batting .254 with a .344 on-base percentage and .419 slugging mark, alongside 11 home runs and 51 runs batted in. His 116 wRC+ reflects above-average offensive contributions, while his defensive metrics—six fielding runs and 15 Defensive Runs Saved—underscore his value in the outfield.
Comparisons with Tucker highlight Bellinger’s edge so far this year. While the Dodgers’ new addition has recorded just 0.9 fWAR and a 101 wRC+ through 92 games, Bellinger continues to outperform expectations in pinstripes.The mutual goodwill between Bellinger and his former team remains evident.
Even as paths diverged, the possibility of a West Coast reunion lingered as a realistic scenario before the N New York Yankees deal came together, reflecting the respect that endures on both sides.
