Scott Boras just swung door wide open for Dodgers-Cody Bellinger reunion

Despite a relatively weak free agent class this offseason, the Dodgers aren't hurting for outfield options. Kyle Tucker is at the top of everyone's wishlist, including LA's, but they also have their eyes on trade candidate Steven Kwan and, per reports, former Dodgers Rookie of the Year and NL MVP Cody Bellinger.

Bellinger declined his $25 million player option with the Yankees to become a free agent for the third time in four years. He's said he's open to a return to New York, but agent Scott Boras is going to make it difficult on everyone involved. He kept Bellinger out on the market until Feb. 27 the last time he was a free agent.

Dodgers fans are torn on the team's renewed interest in him — some choose to remember the Rookie of the Year campaign and MVP-winning 2019, while others are scarred by how he played in 2021 and 2022.

But Bellinger has leveled out significantly in the past three years of his career, and he's coming off his healthiest and most productive season since his MVP campaign six years ago. The Dodgers always want the best they can get, and if they can't get Tucker or Kwan, why not bring Bellinger back home?

Boras, when asked if his client would be open to a reunion with the Dodgers, said, "Cody had a great experience here. Rookie of the Year, MVP, and he was Hollywood ringing. I think that players that have those experiences are very welcoming of anywhere like that."

Scott Boras basically admits Cody Bellinger is open to re-signing with the Dodgers in free agency

The Athletic projects a seven-year, $182 million contract for Bellinger in free agency ($26 million AAV), while ESPN predicts a six-year, $165 million deal ($27.5 million AAV). The money wouldn't be an issue for the Dodgers, but the years could be.

LA's roster is filled with 30+-year-old veterans, and most are on long-term deals. Of course, those veterans are some of the best in the game, but it becomes an issue of whether or not the Dodgers will want to let their roster stagnate for quite that long, and at that many positions, and with a player who is not the absolute best the free agent market has to offer (Bellinger's also two years older than Tucker and Kwan).

If Boras remains as bullish as he was the last time he guided Bellinger through a free agency, the Dodgers could wait it out and catch them in a moment of weakness closer to Opening Day, then sign him to a shorter-term contract, provided they haven't already signed or traded a different target.

It makes sense that Bellinger would be open to a reunion after seeing what the Dodgers have done over the past two seasons — who wouldn't be? — but anyone really excited about this might want to pump the brakes a little.