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The MLB was rocked this past offseason when Cody Bellinger—fresh off an All-Star MVP performance and a World Series ring with the Los Angeles Dodgers—dropped a bombshell: he was much closer to returning to LA than anyone thought. Bellinger didn’t mince words: “There was definitely a chance,” he told The California Post, making it clear the door was never fully closed.
The outfielder, who hit free agency after his stint with the New York Yankees, had one thing on his mind: chasing another World Series with the team that launched his MLB career. But, as life would have it, off-the-field priorities weighed in. With his oldest daughter about to start school, Bellinger was looking for long-term security—a deal the Dodgers just weren’t ready to offer.
While talks were heating up, the Dodgers’ front office made a bold move: they signed Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract, with an opt-out after two seasons. Bellinger, meanwhile, inked a five-year, $162.5 million deal with the Yankees, locking in his family’s future and taking on a new challenge in the Big Apple.
World Series Dreams and a Plot Twist
Sure, the idea of donning Dodger blue again was tempting, but Bellinger admits he’s now dreaming of facing his old squad in the Fall Classic. “Of course,” he said when asked if he’d like to go up against LA in the World Series. “At the end of the day, I just want to get back to the World Series. I can’t control what happens in the National League, but I know how we get there. That’s my goal.”
Despite the split, Bellinger insists there’s no bad blood with the Dodgers. “It’s all love and respect. We did some amazing things together. For me, the good memories outweigh everything else. We had a lot of those,” said Bellinger, who debuted with the Dodgers at 21, won Rookie of the Year, and took home the 2019 MVP after smashing 47 homers.
Scars from LA and Bellinger’s Comeback
Bellinger’s story with the Dodgers wasn’t all sunshine and home runs. Remember that wild celebration after a clutch homer in the 2020 NLCS? It left him with a freak shoulder injury, surgery, and the start of a nightmare. The next season? Easily the worst of his career: he hit just .165, battling injuries and even a broken leg.
By 2022, he’d bounced back a bit (.210 average, 19 homers), but it wasn’t enough to convince the front office to give him a raise in arbitration. So, at just 27, Bellinger hit the open market—a tough pill to swallow. But baseball is all about comebacks: after two bounce-back seasons with the Cubs, he was traded to the Yankees, where he shined again and earned another shot at free agency.
“I’m grateful for everything,” Bellinger said about his journey through three teams. “I’ve made incredible friends, and every place has taught me something new.”
The New Bellinger: Maturity, Family, and Analytics
These days, Bellinger isn’t just the laid-back, smiling slugger Dodgers fans fell in love with. He’s now a husband and dad to two girls, and that’s given him a whole new perspective on his LA days. “I think everything happens for a reason. Whatever it is, I’m here for something, and it’s all good,” he reflected.
The former MVP also admitted he had to reinvent himself as a player. “When I’m playing well, I know why. And when I’m struggling, I get it too,” he explained. Learning to use analytics was a game-changer, even if it was tough at first. “Now I can actually understand the data, not just feel it. There’s so much info out there—you can back up what you’re feeling, and that’s a good thing.”
In the recent Yankees-Dodgers doubleheader, Bellinger was hitting .254 with 11 homers and 51 RBIs—proof his talent is still very much alive. Plus, he loved catching up with old friends from LA, closing the loop on a story that, while it didn’t have a fairy-tale ending in Dodger blue, is still adding electric new chapters in the MLB.
FAQ: What Fans Want to Know About Cody Bellinger and the Dodgers
Why didn’t Cody Bellinger return to the Dodgers?
Bellinger wanted a long-term deal for his family’s stability, but the Dodgers chose to invest in Kyle Tucker instead. Talks happened, but they couldn’t reach an agreement.
How does Bellinger feel about the Dodgers after leaving?
He says it’s all respect and good memories. No hard feelings—he values his time in LA.
Could Bellinger face the Dodgers in the World Series?
Absolutely! That’s one of his biggest dreams as a Yankee now. He wants another shot at the Fall Classic, even if it means facing his old team.
How has Bellinger changed since leaving the Dodgers?
He’s matured as a person and a player, learned to embrace analytics, and put family first. His performance is back to All-Star levels in the MLB.
