Get ready for some exciting baseball news! The Cody Bellinger sweepstakes are heating up, with multiple teams showing interest in the talented outfielder.
The New York Yankees, known for their love of reunions, are reportedly interested in bringing Bellinger back, even after Trent Grisham’s recent move. But they’re not alone in this pursuit.
Enter the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, two teams with their eyes on Bellinger’s skills. Jeff Passan of ESPN has confirmed that these clubs are keen to add him to their rosters. But why?
The Blue Jays are seeking a left-handed batter to complement their star, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. They already have a few lefties in their projected lineup, including Addison Barger, Daulton Varsho, and Nathan Lukes. However, they’re looking for an upgrade, and Bellinger could be the perfect fit.
Here’s where it gets interesting: The Jays have also been linked to Kyle Tucker, the top free agent available. While Tucker is an attractive option, Bellinger is seen as a solid fallback. After all, Bellinger had an impressive 2025 campaign with the Yankees, hitting 29 home runs and maintaining a strong batting average.
But there’s a catch. Bellinger’s performance at Yankee Stadium, with its unique dimensions, was significantly better than his road stats. This raises questions about his consistency.
And this is the part most people miss: In the past, Bellinger’s market value hasn’t always matched his on-field production. His batted ball metrics have been underwhelming, and this could be a reason for the hesitation.
Despite this, Bellinger’s strong 2023 season saw him seeking a $200MM contract, but he had to settle for a three-year, $80MM deal. His 2024 season was mediocre, and he didn’t even trigger his first opt-out clause.
The Blue Jays have been linked to Bellinger throughout his career, so it’s no surprise they’re interested again. The question is, will they prioritize him over Tucker and Bo Bichette?
Moving on to the Dodgers: Their outfield could use some reinforcement, especially after the disappointing Michael Conforto signing. Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages had inconsistent seasons, and Tommy Edman is recovering from ankle surgery.
However, a reunion with Bellinger seems unlikely due to past tensions. Scott Boras, Bellinger’s agent, blamed the Dodgers for his struggles post-shoulder surgery, which led to a public spat with Dodgers president Andrew Friedman. Despite this, the Dodgers have since signed Boras clients, so perhaps there’s a chance for reconciliation.
The controversy deepens: The Dodgers might prefer a short-term addition while waiting for their outfield prospects to develop. With several highly-rated prospects in their system, they could opt for patience instead of a big-money deal.
So, who will win the Bellinger sweepstakes? Will the Yankees, Blue Jays, or Dodgers emerge victorious? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: the baseball world is buzzing with anticipation!