"West Coast could lure Cody Bellinger back" - MLB insider issues verdict on Yankees' "biggest competition" in projected $180M star sweepstakes

The New York Yankees have been linked with All-Star outfielder Cody Bellinger this offseason. Bellinger, who was traded to the Bronx Bombers ahead of the 2025 season, became a free agent at the end of last season.

Following a strong season with the Yankees, Bellinger is expected to command a lucrative contract in free agency, worth around $180 million. MLB insider Jim Bowden reported that the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers are also in the race for Bellinger.

“The market for Cody Bellinger is robust with the most likely result that he signs with a big market, contending team as expected with the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers the most likely landing spots for him at this point in that order,” Bowden reported.

MLB broadcaster Jenny Cavnar believes that the All-Star outfielder could be tempted to reunite with the Dodgers after their recent World Series triumphs. She said on the MLB Network Radio:

“If a contract is out to Cody Bellinger right now, it’s in his court. 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? That’s my question at this point in time. "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. I think the West Coast can maybe lure him back, like that could be a very interesting fit if the Dodgers did indeed decide to pursue him."

Former Yankees slugger Cody Bellinger could solve Dodgers' outfield dilemma

Cody Bellinger rose to stardom as one of the best sluggers in the game during his first six seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He earned two All-Star selections with the Dodgers and was named the NL MVP in 2019.

The All-Star outfielder had his most productive season last year since his MVP-winning campaign as he slashed 272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs for the Yankees.

The Dodgers have been looking to bolster the outfield after their back-to-back World Series wins and a reunion with Bellinger could help their pursuit of a third consecutive title.

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash