Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger stated that a return to the Los Angeles Dodgers was a "definitely a possibility" during the past offseason. Bellinger, who was a free agent at the time, had "some dialogue" with the Dodgers, who were seeking an outfielder.
Bellinger expressed a desire to return to the Dodgers to "play in the World Series again" and also sought the stability of a long-term contract as his older daughter approached school age. Ultimately, Bellinger signed a five-year, $162.5 million deal with the Yankees, while the Dodgers signed Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract.
Despite the outcome, Bellinger conveyed no ill will towards his former team, stating, "There’s nothing but love and respect between us." He holds "good memories" from his time with the Dodgers, where he began his major league career at 21. During his tenure with the team, Bellinger achieved Rookie of the Year honors, won the NL MVP in 2019 with 47 home runs, and was part of the Dodgers' 2020 World Series championship team.
His career trajectory was impacted by a dislocated shoulder sustained during the 2020 postseason, followed by surgery. The subsequent season saw a career-worst .165 batting average, further hampered by a broken leg. Although he improved in 2022, his performance was not enough for the Dodgers to offer him a contract that would have resulted in a raise through arbitration, leading to his free agency.
Bellinger found renewed success in two seasons with the Cubs before being traded to the Yankees. His performance last season prompted him to opt out of his contract and explore free agency. He reflected on his experiences, stating he is "grateful for all of it" and has formed lasting friendships and learned valuable lessons from the teams he has played for.
Bellinger also discussed his development as a player, noting a shift from relying solely on athleticism to a more analytical approach. He explained that while the Dodgers encouraged analytics, he struggled to fully comprehend the data at the time. Now, he feels better equipped to "comprehend the data as opposed to not really understanding it," allowing him to better understand his performance.
As of the Yankees' doubleheader against the Dodgers on Sunday, Bellinger was batting .254 with 11 home runs and 51 RBIs. He indicated he enjoyed reuniting with former teammates over the weekend and believes his current position with the Yankees is purposeful, stating, "I believe everything happens for a reason."