The Los Angeles Dodgers have already made headlines this offseason with their aggressive moves, but one area still needing clarity is the outfield. While the team has plenty of firepower in other parts of the roster, the outfield picture remains a bit murky-and two big-name free agents could offer a solution: Kyle Tucker and former Dodger Cody Bellinger.
Let’s start with Bellinger. Yes, that Bellinger-the 2019 NL MVP who once looked like the face of the franchise before things unraveled.
After a few tough seasons and an eventual departure from L.A., Bellinger has quietly rebuilt his game. Last season, he slashed .272/.334/.480 with 29 homers and 98 RBIs, good for a 125 OPS+.
That’s not just a bounce-back-that’s a legitimate return to form. His 5.1 bWAR in 2025 was his best since that MVP campaign, and he looked every bit the dynamic, two-way player who once had Dodger Stadium buzzing on a nightly basis.
Defensively, Bellinger still brings value across the outfield. He’s a true center fielder with the athleticism and instincts to man all three spots, and that kind of versatility is gold for a team like the Dodgers, who love to mix and match lineups. The idea of bringing Bellinger back might have seemed far-fetched a year ago, but here we are: according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, the Dodgers are firmly in the mix, alongside the Yankees and Mets, for his services.
What makes Bellinger especially intriguing is that he may come at a slightly lower cost than some of the other top-tier options, including Tucker. He’s also reportedly open to a shorter-term, high-AAV deal-a type of contract the Dodgers have shown interest in this offseason as they look to maintain flexibility while still pushing for a title. That kind of structure could be a win-win: Bellinger bets on himself again, and the Dodgers get a high-upside piece without a long-term commitment.
Then there’s Kyle Tucker, one of the most consistent and complete outfielders in the game right now. He may not have the positional versatility of Bellinger-Tucker is more of a corner outfielder-but what he lacks in range he makes up for in reliability. He’s been trending up year after year, delivering steady offensive production and playing with the kind of quiet confidence that fits well in a championship-caliber clubhouse.
Tucker’s market value is expected to be higher than Bellinger’s, both in total dollars and years. That could give the Dodgers pause, especially with their recent spending spree and a desire to avoid being locked into too many long-term deals. But there’s no question he would be a major upgrade in the outfield and a long-term solution at one of the corners.
The Dodgers are clearly weighing their options, and it’s not just about talent-it’s about fit, flexibility, and how each player complements a roster that’s already loaded with stars. If Bellinger can replicate or even come close to his 2025 production, he’d be a massive addition.
And the idea of a reunion with a more mature, retooled version of the player who once electrified Chavez Ravine? That’s a storyline made for Hollywood.
Of course, the competition is real. The Yankees and Mets are both in on Bellinger, and both teams have the financial muscle and roster needs to make a compelling pitch.
But don’t count the Dodgers out. They’ve already gone big this offseason-and if they believe Bellinger can be a difference-maker again, they just might go bigger.