From MVP struggles to Cubs resurgence, Bellinger's elite defense and rekindled bat now point him toward a poetic return to Dodger blue.
When the Los Angeles Dodgers first parted ways with one of the most electric players to emerge from their organization, Cody Bellinger, fans were understandably disappointed. The 2019 National League MVP and 2017 Rookie of the Year had once looked like the next great Dodger superstar, a player capable of defining a generation. However, a series of injuries and offensive struggles caused his once-promising career to spiral, ultimately leading to a separation between Bellinger and the only franchise he had ever known.
The turning point came in 2020. During the NLCS, Bellinger famously hit a crucial home run, celebrating with an arm bump that resulted in a dislocated shoulder. Though he continued to play through the postseason, his swing and power were never quite the same. After undergoing offseason surgery, Bellinger returned to the Dodgers, but his offensive numbers plummeted. While his defense remained elite, his struggles at the plate became too significant to ignore, and by the end of the 2022 season, the Dodgers chose to move on from him.
In 2023, a change of scenery reignited Bellinger’s career. After signing a three-year, $80 million deal with the Chicago Cubs that included opt-outs after the 2025 and 2026 seasons, he rediscovered his All-Star form, slashing .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs—numbers reminiscent of his 2019 MVP campaign. Although his production dipped slightly in 2024, he still posted a solid 111 OPS+ while remaining one of the league’s most dependable defenders. In 2025, Bellinger exercised his player option and was later traded to the New York Yankees, where he again displayed his offensive prowess, hitting .272 with a .334 on-base percentage and 29 home runs. After the season, he opted out of his contract to test free agency once more.
Now, entering free agency at age 30, a potential reunion with the Dodgers feels both poetic and practical. Los Angeles is fresh off back-to-back World Series titles in 2024 and 2025 and could use another versatile left-handed bat. With Michael Conforto likely departing after his one-year, $17 million contract, the Dodgers have an opening in left field. Bellinger’s ability to play all three outfield positions and even first base when needed aligns perfectly with the Dodgers’ emphasis on depth and flexibility.
A possible 2026 outfield alignment could feature Bellinger in center, with Andy Pages in right and Teoscar Hernández in left, or perhaps Bellinger shifting to a corner spot while others rotate. Regardless of configuration, his defense, athleticism, and rekindled offensive firepower would make him an ideal fit for a team that thrives on adaptability.
For Bellinger, a return to Los Angeles wouldn’t just be a homecoming; it would be a full-circle moment, one that could reignite the connection between a beloved player and the fans who never stopped cheering for him.