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Just weeks after he opted into his $27.5 million player option with the Chicago Cubs for the 2025 season, former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger reportedly became available on the trade market.
"The worst-kept secret at the GM meetings was the Cubs offering Bellinger to anyone and everyone," wrote USA Today's Bob Nightengale. "So far, no team has expressed strong interest." Welp!
Bellinger won the National League MVP award with the Dodgers back in 2019, when he slashed .305/.406/.629 with 47 home runs and 115 RBI. He can also play above-average defense at all three outfield positions, winning a Gold Glove in 2019 for his outstanding defensive play in right field.
Bellinger remains a valuable left-handed bat for the Cubs, despite coming off a down year by his standards. The Dodgers have already expressed interest in bringing back free agent Teoscar Hernández, another slugging outfielder, and they've reportedly met with Juan Soto and his camp. But would a reunion with their former MVP be another option to shore up their outfield?
Not necessarily.
Dodgers shouldn't explore Cody Bellinger trade with Cubs this offseason
Bellinger had a fine season with Chicago in 2024, hitting .266 with 18 home runs, 78 RBI and a .751 OPS; but those numbers look a lot worse for a player who is owed $25 million in 2025 and can earn $25 million in 2026 or receive a $5 million buyout. He exercised his 2025 player option earlier in November, earning him a guaranteed $32.5 million. With dollar figures like that, it's hard to blame the Cubs for wanting to trade him.
Similarly, it's hard to blame other teams – including the Dodgers – for not wanting to take on any part of Bellinger's contract. It's far too expensive for the associated risk and the expected lack of production. If the Dodgers are planning to spend that kind of money this offseason, they would be wise to invest it elsewhere.
Dodgers fans will always have the memories of Bellinger's formative big league years and his MVP season, but sometimes it's best to leave the past in the past.
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