The Los Angeles Dodgers are the two-time reigning World Series champions, but even they could get better.
Los Angeles could be in for another aggressive offseason. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that the Dodgers have $87 million coming off the books this offseason.
“Los Angeles Dodgers: Just freed up $87 million, with Clayton Kershaw, Michael Conforto, Chris Taylor, and Kirby Yates off the books. They’ll still be aggressive as anyone and will come away at the least with a high-priced closer,” Nightengale wrote.
That’s one of the biggest reasons why the Dodgers have been so heavily linked to outfielder Kyle Tucker. The Dodgers can somehow afford to make another splash and Tucker is the top outfielder on the open market. But, an old friend is out there for the taking as well. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the Dodgers have “expressed interest” in a reunion with 2019 National League Most Valuable Player Cody Bellinger.
“And the Dodgers, who nontendered Bellinger three years ago, have expressed interest as they peruse the outfield market,” Passan wrote.
Bellinger spent the first six seasons of his big league career as a member of the Dodgers. Injuries played a big role in the final three seasons of his stint in Los Angeles, which is what led to him being non-tendered.
He joined the Chicago Cubs ahead of the 2023 season was with them for the 2024 campaign as well before being traded to the New York Yankees last offseason. Over the last three seasons, Bellinger has looked like a star again. He played in 412 games and hit 73 homers, drove in 273 runs, and slashed .281/.338/.477. A reunion would help the Dodgers’ outfield without breaking the bank as much as a deal with Tucker would.
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