3 reasons why Cody Bellinger is definitely leaving Dodgers after non-tender

2. The Dodgers Very Obviously are Honed in on Aaron Judge

Aaron Judge bet on himself in 2022, did not sign a contract extension and perhaps had the best free agent audition reel in MLB history. Judge went out, won the American League MVP, kept a mediocre Yankees team afloat in the second half and broke the AL record for home runs.

And best of all? He isn’t repped by Scott Boras! Boras is pinching himself that he let this one get away, as Judge is going to absolutely set the all-time AAV record with whatever contract he ends up getting this winter.

There was already speculation about the Dodgers being in play for Judge before Bellinger was non-tendered. With the team saving money by non-tendering Bellinger and opening up a roster spot, it is clear that they have something big planned.

With prospects like Michael Busch waiting to start in the infield next season, the Dodgers may simply pass on re-signing Trea Turner and instead use that money to make Judge the highest-paid player in the league. While nothing has concretely been reported, that seems like it is LA’s main goal this season.

This does not guarantee anything, as Judge could be intrigued by the possibility of being a lifelong Yankee. But with him getting booed by the Yankees faithful in the ALCS, it also wouldn’t be surprising to see him spurn the Big Apple for the beautiful California coast. After all, he grew up in sunny California.