Former Dodgers star labeled as ‘Fallback Plan’ for Phillies, Blue Jays

Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger has been linked to teams around the league in free agency this season, and USA Today’s Bob Nightengale named the New York Yankees as the favorites for his signature this offseason, with a few other teams also in the hunt for the former MVP.

Nightengale also mentioned the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays as potential suitors for the former Dodger.

“Bellinger’s camp reminds anyone who will listen that he is only a year and a half older than Tucker, 28,” Nightingale wrote. “The Yankees are still the favorites to bring him back, but the Mets are in the game and he is a contingency plan for teams like the Phillies and Blue Jays.”

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Bellinger spent the first six seasons of his MLB career with the Dodgers and had a hugely successful run during his first four seasons. He won an MVP in 2019 and maintained an OPS above .775 through all four years. However, after the 2020 season, Bellinger’s numbers took a huge dip.

He had a combined .611 OPS in 2021 and 2022, recording 29 home runs and 104 RBIs in both seasons — numbers he surpassed in his MVP season alone.

The Dodgers non-tendered him after 2022 and he moved to the Chicago Cubs. Bellinger found his groove again with the Cubs, posting an .881 OPS with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs in his first season on the North Side.

He followed his comeback season with another solid season in Chicago, moving to the Yankees before the 2025 season. He had his best season since his MVP year with the Yankees, hitting 29 home runs and having 98 RBIs.

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Bellinger was linked to the Dodgers this season, but LA’s interest appears to have cooled in recent weeks and they are reportedly looking to upgrade their outfield via trade. While the Dodgers aren’t all that interested, Bellinger remains one of the best free agents on the market, and the story surrounding him will certainly be one to watch this season.

Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

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