MLB Insider Says Dodgers Could Poach MVP From Yankees
The Los Angeles Dodgers have won back-to-back World Series titles, but don’t think that they’re going to rest on their laurels this offseason. LA will have a gigantic target on its back in 2026, and the Dodgers will need to re-inject their roster with some additional talent this winter to ensure that they are well-equipped for a three-peat adventure.
Outfield and bullpen needs are among the highest priorities for Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes. Not surprisingly, LA has been continually linked to the free-agent market’s biggest fish, Kyle Tucker.
Naturally, the Dodgers are evaluating the entire outfield market beyond Tucker, including the consensus No. 2 outfielder available in free agency, New York Yankees’ Cody Bellinger, who won an MVP with LA in 2020.
New York Post’s Jon Heyman wrote about a possible Bellinger-Dodgers reunion this week.
“Could Cody Bellinger wind up returning to the Dodgers?” Heyman wrote.
“L.A. will be in the OF market, and he still has some fans there. Bellinger is said to have loved his time in L.A., which included his greatest heights (an MVP) and only lows (two injury-wracked offensive seasons). Bellinger also enjoys being a Yankee, and they have to be considered an early favorite since they made him a priority. All he said when asked in-season was that he wants to play for a winner.”
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman expressed during the MLB GM Meetings in Las Vegas this week that New York wants to bring Bellinger back. Belli was paramount for the Yankees in 2025 as they dealt with the void left by Juan Soto.
Bellinger heading back to LA would have obvious consequences in the American League East. It would immediately weaken the Yankees, who would of course re-enter the market for another big outfield bat (Tucker?).
Bellinger’s landing spot is definitely something for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles to monitor, even if they themselves aren’t vying for his services.
You can’t necessarily rule out the Blue Jays from a Bellinger pursuit, either. Toronto seems willing to do whatever it takes to keep their championship window wide open.
Bellinger is in the prime of his career at age 30. He’s predicted to land something in the realm of a six-year, $165 million deal. He hit .272 (.813 OPS) with 160 hits, 29 home runs, 98 RBI and 89 runs scored in 152 games in 2025 for the Yankees, and he’s capable of playing all three outfield positions plus first base.