Dodgers, Former MVP Won’t Get Chance At Reunion in Free Agency: Report

Cody Bellinger was a fan favorite for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but after two consecutive poor seasons in 2021 and 2022 he was non-tendered. Flash forward to 2024. Rumors have swirled that Bellinger could exercise his player-option in November.

That makes it unlikely he will reunite with the Dodgers — or explore the free agent market in any capacity, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale . Bellinger is “fully expected” to stay with the Chicago Cubs, instead of returning to free agency in the winter.

Once Bellinger signed a one-year deal with Chicago, he had a fantastic 2023 campaign where he slashed .307/.356/.525. He also recorded 26 home runs and 20 stolen bases.

In 2023, Bellinger placed in the top 10 of NL MVP voting and he earned his second Silver Slugger award.

A big payday seemed imminent for the former Dodger, but it never came. Bellinger joined a number of free agents that struggled to find a deal worthy of signing. In the end, he chose to return to Chicago on a three-year, $80 million deal. The contract included opt-outs after each season.

The 29-year-old didn’t have a strong a season this year. He’s recorded a .269/.332/.468 slash line. His 2024 campaign likely wouldn’t produce considerable offers on the open market if he were to exercise his opt-out option.

The more likely scenario would be that Bellinger would return to the Cubs and return to free agency ahead of the 2025 season. His chances may be better for his options on the market, given he performs better in 2025.

Although Bellinger likely won’t be reuniting with the Los Angeles club, he did make a visit to Dodger Stadium last week.

He reminded the Dodgers what they lost by hitting a home run in the Cubs’ 10-4 win in the series opener on Sept. 9.

The former Dodger was candid when asked about the nostalgia of returning to Chavez Ravine.

“I definitely do,” Bellinger told Sarah Wexler of MLB.com . “I think even just showing up to the ballpark, seeing the security guards and seeing everyone. It’s a weird feeling, but it’s a cool feeling. I always like coming back.”

Bellinger spent six seasons with the Dodgers. The outfielder was member of the 2020 Dodgers team that went on to win the World Series. Bellinger won the National League Rookie of the Year in 2017, NL Championship Series MVP in 2018, and the NL MVP Award in 2019. But he was non-tendered after the 2022 season, during which he slashed .210/.265/.389.

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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