At least 3 big-market teams 'actively courting' Bellinger (report)
MLB.com is keeping track of the latest news and rumors surrounding Cody Bellinger.
Dec. 3: Mets, Yanks among big-market teams 'actively courting' Bellinger (report)
Thanks to his defensive versatility and his strong 2025 season with the Yankees (29 homers, 125 OPS+), Bellinger is one of the most popular players on the free-agent market right now, and he has numerous marquee clubs vying for his services.
MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi said during Wednesday's edition of Hot Stove that no fewer than three big-market teams are pursuing the 30-year-old Bellinger. That includes the Yankees, Mets and potentially the Phillies and World Series champion Dodgers as well.
Re-signing Bellinger would be a simple way for the Yankees to address the lone remaining hole in their outfield. The Mets have a clear need for more outfield help after trading Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers for infielder Marcus Semien. Bellinger could also be an option for the Mets at first base if they can't bring back Pete Alonso.
Bellinger -- who came up with the Dodgers in 2017, won Rookie of the Year that season and was named NL MVP two years later -- would fit well back with Los Angeles, which did not get good production out of its left fielders this past season. Left field was Bellinger's lead position in 2025 (85 games), but he also logged at least 40 games in center (41) and right (52). The Phillies are also in the market for a corner outfielder, and Bellinger's left-handed bat could act as insurance for the Phils if free-agent slugger Kyle Schwarber signs elsewhere.
Nov. 20: Angels have 'checked in' on Bellinger
Could Bellinger return to Los Angeles, but with another team?
The former MVP spent the first six seasons of his career with the Dodgers, and the defending champs are reportedly interested in a reunion. But the Angels are interested in Bellinger, too, with MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reporting that they have "checked in" on the free agent outfielder.
On Tuesday, the Angels traded outfielder Taylor Ward, a 36-homer bat, and subsequently created a hole in the middle of their lineup. Ward played 153 games last season in left field, which is also where Bellinger -- a plus-defender at all three outfield spots -- spent the majority of his time in 2025 for the Yankees.
Los Angeles could also use an impact left-handed bat, amid a lineup flush with right-handed hitters. As things currently stand, first baseman Nolan Schanuel is the team's only projected starter who bats left-handed.
Nov. 18: Dodgers interested in reunion with Bellinger (report)
Bellinger enjoyed immense success early in his career with the Dodgers -- 2017 National League Rookie of the Year, 2019 NL MVP, 2020 World Series champion -- before his production took a sharp downturn, ultimately leading to him being non-tendered by Los Angeles following the 2022 season.
However, Bellinger’s time as a Dodger may yet have a second chapter. The reigning back-to-back World Series champions have expressed interest in the 30-year-old free agent as they search for an upgrade to their outfield, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
After he and the Dodgers parted ways, Bellinger won a Silver Slugger and was named Comeback Player of the Year as a member of the Cubs in 2023. He is coming off a season with the Yankees in which he produced 29 homers -- his most since hitting 47 during that MVP year -- with 98 RBIs, an .813 OPS and 4.9 FanGraphs WAR, ninth best among primary outfielders.
Capable of playing all three outfield spots, Bellinger tallied seven outs above average and had a +9 fielding run value this past season for the Yanks. He spent the majority of his games in left field, a position where the Dodgers collectively batted .229 with a .385 slugging percentage in 2025. He also remains a plus baserunner, with double-digit steals in three of the past four years.
Passan also said that the Blue Jays like Bellinger, and the Yankees are interested in bringing him back to the Bronx. Per MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the Yanks are prioritizing Bellinger after Trent Grisham accepted the qualifying offer on Tuesday to remain in New York's outfield alongside Aaron Judge.
Nov. 2: Bellinger opts out of contract
As expected, Bellinger exercised his contractual opt-out on Monday, turning down a guaranteed $25 million salary for the 2026 season in favor of a $5 million buyout. Bellinger will now seek a larger deal in free agency. The Yankees acquired the 30-year-old outfielder along with cash from the Cubs in exchange for right-hander Cody Poteet last December.
Re-signing Bellinger should be one of New York’s top priorities this offseason. The 30-year-old is coming off his best overall season since his MVP year in 2019, producing 29 homers, 98 RBIs and an .814 OPS over 152 games for the Yanks, who acquired him from the Cubs in December after losing Juan Soto to the Mets.
Bellinger’s defensive versatility -- he can handle all three outfield spots and first base -- adds further value, and his left-handed swing is tailor-made for Yankee Stadium’s short right-field porch. He’s also been effective against left-handed pitching, meaning he doesn’t require a platoon partner. Bellinger, though, could have a long list of suitors, especially as a lower-cost backup plan for clubs in the mix for right fielder Kyle Tucker, this year’s top free agent.