Dodgers Rumors: Scott Boras Says Andrew Friedman Knew Cody Bellinger Would Return to MVP Form
One of the biggest names on the open market this offseason is former Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger, who is in line for a massive payday. He put together a special season with the Chicago Cubs in 2023, earning the National League Comeback Player of the Year award.
There has been some talk about a reunion between the Dodgers and Bellinger this offseason, but it seems very unlikely. L.A. let him go last winter for a reason, and it’s very difficult to see them trying to re-sign him now.
Our very own Doug McKain asked MLB super agent Scott Boras about Cody Bellinger and if the Dodgers made a mistake not bringing him back last offseason. He also asked if Bellinger would consider a return to LA.
“Andrew (Friedman) knew (Bellinger) was going to return to his MVP form, he was not surprised by that. The idea was, they really had to make an economic decision, and that’s what they did. And I think the Cubs made the right decision. And our platform is, Cody’s let them know he’s listening to everyone involved. There’s no exclusions.”
Bellinger hit .307 with 26 home runs and 97 runs batted in this past year with the Cubs, helping them stay in the playoff race until the final week of the season. He was the engine that drove the Chicago offense, looking very similar to his 2019 MVP season with the Dodgers.
Boras left the door open for Bellinger to return to LA this winter, but the front office is focused on other matters. All reports have indicated that the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees have been the co-favorites to land him. But with the Yankees’ acquisition of Juan Soto, they’re likely out of the running now.
The Seattle Mariners have also shown interest in Bellinger, and they do have a need for a power-hitting left-handed bat. But wherever Bellinger goes, he will always be loved by Dodgers fans. He was a key member of the 2020 World Series team, and his contributions during his tenure will never be forgotten.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Clay Bellinger, in AA ball, entertained my kids with ball tricks, so we remembered his name. Then I watched the Little League WS and saw Little Cody: “My name is Cody Bellinger and my favorite player is Manny Ramirez. ” As a Dodger fan, our family has been thrilled for the years we had him. Want him back, please!!:)
pls sign him back he’s the best
Fangraphs explains that Bellinger is not likely to do as well in the future as he did this past year. He did not hit the ball hard. He had a lot of luck with balls dropping in, landing where the fielders were not, something not easily duplicated. He did not hit fastballs well [as was the case for his last 2 years with the Dodgers].
CHERYL, LOVED YOUR STORY. UNFORTUNATELY, ANDREW FRIEDMAN STILL THINKS , HE’S RUNNING THE TAMPA BAY RAYS. WE REALLY NEED A BIG GM, WHOS NOT AFRAID OF MAKING THE BIG DEALS. .