The Los Angeles Dodgers could go after free agent Cody Bellinger this offseason, putting together a dream return for the former MVP after the Dodgers non-tendered him in 2022.
Bellinger would be a perfect addition to the Dodgers, who need a new outfielder after Michael Conforto’s departure to free agency, but his signing comes with many questions. While Bellinger has been a solid player since his departure, his final two seasons in LA are still fresh in Dodger fans’ memories.
He played 239 games in his final two seasons with the Dodgers, where he had an OPS of .611 and batted .193. He still managed 29 home runs, however was far below the production the Dodgers expected out of him at that point.
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Bellinger has had a few solid seasons since, though, posting an OPS above .750 in each. He hit 29 home runs in 2025, which is exactly as many as he did for the Dodgers in 2021 and 2022 combined. He especially impressed in 2023 and 2025, passing 25 home runs after missing that mark in every season since his MVP year in 2019, and receiving MVP votes in both years.
While he seems to have his career back on track, Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain still has his reservations.
“You could play him in left, play him in right, play him at first when Freddie Freeman needs a day off,” McKain said. “The issue I have with Cody Bellinger, and kind of the one warning sign, is he was an All-Star at Yankee Stadium where he had the short porch. He was a below average player outside of New York.”
Bellinger, a left-handed hitter, had a huge advantage with the Yankees this past season, as the right field wall in Yankee Stadium is just 314 feet from home plate. This gives lefties such as Bellinger a significant advantage, especially having played half of his games there last season.
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At Yankee Stadium, Bellinger had a .909 OPS and hit 18 of his 29 home runs. On the road, however, he had a .715 OPS, which is right around league average.
While Bellinger is clearly still a top player, his performances in a favorable environment raise the question as to whether or not he would survive back in Los Angeles.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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16 Responses
NO on Bellinger, YES on Bader.
Bader is not coming to LA. He;s a perfect fit where he is now, in Philly.
Nah. The OF is set.
I didn’t know Bader was available, but yes I like Bader’s style of playing. He gives it his all and doesn’t mind doing the little things.
Rather have Donovan
No on Bellinger and No on Bader!
YES on Donavon!
And Dodger Stadium doesn’t have a short porch in right field. Its short and low, too low in ,y book and leads to cheap home runs and doubles. In any event, I think Bellinger would play as well in Los Angeles as he would anywhere else and the MAJORITY OF FANS would love it. C’mon home Cody….
Yes, Cody knows the deal in LA. There would be less pressure now to be an average hitter. I am for a return.
Yes yes yes
I’m not too concerned about Belli right now. I think we need to work on the Bullpen. I would love to see a true closer an a long reliever. If Stone is functioning the way he was he could be another rotation contender. I like Ryan in the Pen.
Cody doesn’t need to meet high expectations. He’s a very good outfielder. He is a very good first baseman. Friedman has started as Mookie to injury and both could be out for months or year ending. Rojas can play short and second, Kiki can play all outfield positions and infield, might want to try him as a Closer pitching too…LOL
Dodgers can get Cody for a Steal compared to other free agency prospects. Use the savings on a Closer, bring up as many prospect pitchers in Minors during Springtime and as Past leads to Future find a few really good additions Dodgers have some lingering awaiting their promotion.
If I were managing going into 2026 Season I’d do some tweaking. Batting cage could be a good reminder that faulting hit wise almost cost Dodgers World Series. First 3 weeks Spring batters look at just pitches they struck out on. Get them use to seeing curves, sliders, and all those other nasty pitches. As Players learn to hit those add a few fastballs and work on just making contact. Minor league pitcher 100 mph + or high 90’s throws say 5 to each starter at end of cage time.
I also think having each player bunt 3 before regular batting practice. It helps the eyes see the ball hit bat, what a Novel concept?
After all hits win more games, not saying Home runs aren’t important. PractIce choking up on bat with 2 outs, and hitting to opposite field.
Fundamentals can become second nature if Practiced well.
162 games is a lot. April to October is a long Season.
My Opinions are strictly my observations!
No. I’ve been a fan for 72 yrs. They can do better.
NO,NO,NO we don’t want Belli back. He was too much into the lifestyle and not about baseball. Let him stay in NY.
Not my first choice. But if the Dodgers can’t get any body else, what do you have to lose. He’s a fabulous outfielder and a respectful 1st baseman who could spell Freddy Freedman. But we need someone who can produce above average at the plate.
he’s been hitting a lot better this last year, so there’s that. me, I wouldn’t mind seeing Ding-Dong return to the team. he’s got one hell of an arm out there!
The addition of Bellinger would be a good fit but a better pick would be choosing a prized rookie such as Zaire Hope or Josue
DePaula or that Morton kid. their too good to be in the minors. The Dodgers have given up enough future stars.