Gabe Lacques, USA TODAYTue, November 25, 2025 at 10:46 AM UTC·7 min readStill just 30 years old, Cody Bellinger has been a National League MVP, a World Series champion and has played admirably for three of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball: The Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees.
And still, he hasn’t found a permanent home.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat should change this winter, finally, after Bellinger his healthiest and most productive season since winning the 2019 NL MVP for the Dodgers. He played 152 games for the Yankees, amassed 5.1 WAR and hit the most homers – 29 – since his 47-dinger effort in the hopped-up ball 2019 season.
So, now what?
USA TODAY Sports examines the best landing spots for Bellinger, ranked No. 6 among this winter’s free agents:
Cody Bellinger spent 2025 with the Yankees.Los Angeles Dodgers
Run it back?
That was the theme of a commercial featuring Bellinger and Christian Yelich in 2019, when their battle for NL MVP was in full bloom and the two superstars seemed indestructible. A few months after Bellinger claimed the trophy, a pandemic landed, the Dodgers won a championship in an abbreviated season – and Belli engaged in a very fateful forearm bash after a crucial playoff home run.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe was never the same in L.A., where he was non-tendered after the 2022 season as he struggled to rebuild both his upper and lower halves after shoulder surgery and a fibula fracture.
So began his journey of short-term, opt-out heavy deals that saw him spend two seasons with the Cubs and one with the Yankees, where his all-around game fully reemerged this season.
And now, the timing may be right for a Chavez Ravine reunion.
From the Dodgers’ perspective, there’s just one glaring hole within a lineup that produced back-to-back champions: Left field. They wagered $17 million that Michael Conforto could rehab his career under their tutelage, but Conforto’s .199/.305/.333 output knocked him off the postseason roster.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat’s why the club figures to be in play for marquee free agent Kyle Tucker. Sure, it seems like the Dodgers pay Gucci prices for even the most mundane everyday pieces, but that may not be necessary here.
Bellinger, who will surely want a nine-figure deal that seemed inevitable a half-decade ago, will come for a fraction of the cost. And he’s probably a better fit: Bellinger can play all three outfield positions as well as first base, a crucial bit of optionality as Teoscar Hernández and Freddie Freeman hit free agency after 2027 and 30-plus stars like Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani may need to shift roles.
Fewer outfielders are better defensively: Bellinger’s seven outs above average in 2025 put him even with the defensively elite Harrison Bader and just one behind Gold Glove winner Fernando Tatis Jr. If so inclined, the Dodgers could enjoy Bellinger’s enhanced production compared to what Conforto provided, and eat the offensive shortcomings of Andy Pages while keeping his 11 outs above average in center, creating a truly dominant defensive outfield.
Yep, L.A. Belli v.2.0 would be a pretty nice fit.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan (80) and Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) celebrate during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.
Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter and Magic Johnson wave to fans during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.
A fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers with his dog after the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.
Los Angeles Dodgers players and coaches ride double-deck buses during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.
Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.
Magic Johnson waves to Los Angeles Dodgers fans during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) and teammate Enrique Hernandez (8) celebrate during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.
Los Angeles Dodgers players wave to the crowd during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.
Fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers pose for a photo after the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.
Los Angeles Dodgers fans wait for the start of the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) wave to fans during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.
Los Angeles Dodgers fans react during the team's victory parade after winning the World Series.
A fan looks on before the 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers World Series Celebration at Dodger Stadium on Nov. 3, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) wave to fans during the World Series championship parade and celebration.
Los Angeles Dodgers players hold the baseball World Series trophy as they greet fans from an open-top bus during the team's victory parade after winning the World Series, in downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 3, 2025. The Los Angeles Dodgers conjured a stunning come-from-behind victory in extra innings to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 and clinch back-to-back World Series on Nov. 1, in one of the greatest Major League Baseball championship deciders in history.
Los Angeles Dodgers players wave to fans from an open-top bus during the team's victory parade after winning the World Series, in downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 3, 2025. The Los Angeles Dodgers conjured a stunning come-from-behind victory in extra innings to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 and clinch back-to-back World Series on Nov. 1, in one of the greatest Major League Baseball championship deciders in history.
A young fan runs with a Los Angeles Dodgers flag before the start of the Dodgers 2025 World Series Championship parade on Nov. 3, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Shohei Ohtani (L) and Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers acknowledge the crowd during the Dodgers 2025 World Series Championship parade on Nov. 3, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Dodgers players greet fans from an open-top bus during the team's victory parade after winning the World Series, in downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 3, 2025. The Los Angeles Dodgers conjured a stunning come-from-behind victory in extra innings to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 and clinch back-to-back World Series on November 1, in one of the greatest Major League Baseball championship deciders in history.
Fans watch as Los Angeles Dodgers players greet fans from an open-top bus during the team's victory parade after winning the World Series, in downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 3, 2025. The Los Angeles Dodgers conjured a stunning come-from-behind victory in extra innings to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 and clinch back-to-back World Series on Nov. 1, in one of the greatest Major League Baseball championship deciders in history.
Los Angeles Dodgers players wave to fans during the team's victory parade in Los Angeles after winning the World Series on Nov. 3, 2025.
Los Angeles Dodgers fans react as the team bus passes them during the team's victory parade in Los Angeles on Nov. 3, 2025, after winning the World Series.
Los Angeles Dodgers fans wait for the start of the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.1 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan (80) and Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) celebrate during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.1 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan (80) and Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) celebrate during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.2 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter and Magic Johnson wave to fans during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.3 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
A fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers with his dog after the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.4 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers players and coaches ride double-deck buses during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.5 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.6 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Magic Johnson waves to Los Angeles Dodgers fans during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.7 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.8 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) and teammate Enrique Hernandez (8) celebrate during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.9 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers players wave to the crowd during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.10 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers pose for a photo after the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.11 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers fans wait for the start of the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.12 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) wave to fans during the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.13 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers fans react during the team's victory parade after winning the World Series.14 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
A fan looks on before the 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers World Series Celebration at Dodger Stadium on Nov. 3, 2025, in Los Angeles.15 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) wave to fans during the World Series championship parade and celebration.16 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers players hold the baseball World Series trophy as they greet fans from an open-top bus during the team's victory parade after winning the World Series, in downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 3, 2025. The Los Angeles Dodgers conjured a stunning come-from-behind victory in extra innings to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 and clinch back-to-back World Series on Nov. 1, in one of the greatest Major League Baseball championship deciders in history.17 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers players wave to fans from an open-top bus during the team's victory parade after winning the World Series, in downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 3, 2025. The Los Angeles Dodgers conjured a stunning come-from-behind victory in extra innings to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 and clinch back-to-back World Series on Nov. 1, in one of the greatest Major League Baseball championship deciders in history.18 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
A young fan runs with a Los Angeles Dodgers flag before the start of the Dodgers 2025 World Series Championship parade on Nov. 3, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.19 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Shohei Ohtani (L) and Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers acknowledge the crowd during the Dodgers 2025 World Series Championship parade on Nov. 3, 2025, in Los Angeles.20 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers players greet fans from an open-top bus during the team's victory parade after winning the World Series, in downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 3, 2025. The Los Angeles Dodgers conjured a stunning come-from-behind victory in extra innings to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 and clinch back-to-back World Series on November 1, in one of the greatest Major League Baseball championship deciders in history.21 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Fans watch as Los Angeles Dodgers players greet fans from an open-top bus during the team's victory parade after winning the World Series, in downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 3, 2025. The Los Angeles Dodgers conjured a stunning come-from-behind victory in extra innings to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 and clinch back-to-back World Series on Nov. 1, in one of the greatest Major League Baseball championship deciders in history.22 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers players wave to fans during the team's victory parade in Los Angeles after winning the World Series on Nov. 3, 2025.23 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers fans react as the team bus passes them during the team's victory parade in Los Angeles on Nov. 3, 2025, after winning the World Series.24 / 24Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate back-to-back World Series titles with thousands of fans
Los Angeles Dodgers fans wait for the start of the World Series championship parade and celebration on Nov. 3, 2025.New York Yankees
This winter will be an interesting tell about just how the Yankees evaluate their 94-win club. They tied for the division and lost it on a tiebreaker, then succumbed to Toronto in the ALDS. A really good year that came awfully close, all things considered, to a World Series return?
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOr a club that maxed out what it had and is due for a 2026 regression?
With that, the Yankees could go big for Tucker – he’ll come at about half the total dollars they threw at Juan Soto the previous winter – and give Aaron Judge a lefty slugger who will bang alongside him in the lineup through his peak years.
Or would they be better off reuniting with Bellinger?
Simply, the man did all the Yankees asked in 2025, playing 85 games in left field, 41 in center and 52 in right, along with seven at first base. That final number could grow with the departure of Paul Goldschmidt and a potential reevaluation of Ben Rice’s role.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdd up the defensive acumen and the 125 adjusted OPS and Bellinger finished second to AL MVP Judge in WAR. Yankee Stadium’s short porch on the offensive side and long alleys on the defensive end both suit Bellinger well.
New York Mets
The Mets found a taker for Brandon Nimmo’s eight-year, $162 million contract. It’d be a little silly to replace him with, well, a left-handed hitting likely left fielder who’d be looking for almost the exact same deal.
Yet moving from Nimmo to Bellinger would represent more than a simple improvement on the margins.
Bellinger is two years younger than Nimmo, far superior defensively (Nimmo at -1 outs above average) and much more versatile. Bellinger could also help replace Pete Alonso at first base, and in toggling from left to center to first, limit the offensive liabilities of players like Tyrone Taylor and Mark Vientos.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Mets didn't just snap their fingers and make the remaining $102.5 million remaining on Nimmo's contract disappear; they also had to assume the remaining $72 million on Marcus Semien's deal. But Semien immediately improves the club's infield defense and could be a key "cultural add" to change up the mix in Queens a bit.
Bellinger could check both of those boxes, as well, as the Mets aim to get more athletic and move past the grim 38-55 finish to an unsatisfying 2025.
Aug. 6, 2025: The Phillie Phanatic interacts with Philadelphia Phillies service dog Tugger during a break in action against the Baltimore Orioles at Citizens Bank Park.
April 7, 2025: Jackie Hornung and her Samoyed dog, Lumi (also known as Little Bear Lumi), throw a ceremonial first pitch before the game between the New York Mets and Miami Marlins at Citi Field.
April 6, 2025: A dog is seen at the game between the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays at Citi Field.
Sept. 3, 2024: Fans bring their dogs during the Bark in the Park night prior to the game between the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium.
Aug. 28, 2024: Decoy, the dog of the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, waits for instruction before delivering the first pitch before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium.
Aug. 28, 2024: A dog gets close to the camera during the Bark at the Park event before the Colorado Rockies' game against the Miami Marlins at Coors Field.
Aug. 28, 2024: Television actress Caitlin O'Connor holds her dog Bubbles on the field prior to the Pittsburgh Pirates playing the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park.
Aug. 24, 2024: Oakland Athletics head groundskeeper Clay Wood (left) and manager Mark Kotsay (right) pet Reba, the Oakland Athletics' clubhouse dog, in the dugout before the game between the Oakland Athletics and Milwaukee Brewers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
Aug. 12, 2024: Dogs walk on the warning track for Bark in the Park day before the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.
June 2, 2024: Fans and their dogs walk the field during a pup parade during Pups in the Park day prior to the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium.
June 2, 2024: Fans and their dogs walk the field during a pup parade during Pups in the Park day prior to the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium.
May 9, 2024: A dog takes the ball from Milwaukee Brewers first base coach Quintin Berry following a first pitch prior to the game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Bark at the Park night at American Family Field.
May 5, 2024: Oakland Athletics infielder Max Schuemann shares a moment with Reba, the Oakland Athletics' clubhouse dog, before a game against the Miami Marlins at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
April 16, 2024: Chase Field, Arizona
March 31, 2024: Oakland Athletics head groundskeeper Clay Wood's dog Reba plays with a baseball on the field before the game between the Oakland Athletics and Cleveland Guardians at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
March 29, 2024: Oakland Athletics groundskeeper Clay Wood and his dog rake the infield before a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
March 29, 2024: A dog dressed in New York Mets apparel sits in front of Citi Field before the Opening Day game between the Mets and Milwaukee Brewers.
Oct. 8, 2023: Camden Yards
June 7, 2023: Great American Ball Park.
June 7, 2023: Great American Ball Park.
May 19, 2023: Citi Field (Mets)
May 9, 2023: Great American Ball Park
April 11, 2023: Citi Field
Sept. 28, 2022: Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (Oklahoma CIty Dodgers)
Sept. 5, 2022: Dodger Stadium
Sept. 5, 2022: A dachshund gives a Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw doll a ride around the field during the Pups at the Park Parade at Dodger Stadium.
Sept. 5, 2022: Dodger Stadium
Sept. 5, 2022: Dodger Stadium
Aug. 16, 2022: Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds)
Brooks, a 2-year-old Dalmatian owned by Sarah Paukert of Ames, enjoys the action during the Dog Days at Principal Park as the Iowa Cubs hosted Columbus in a minor league baseball game on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, in Des Moines.
June 7, 2022: Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brent Suter throws out a first pitch for his dog on Bark at the Park night prior to the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at American Family Field. Suter wrote a children's book "The Binky Bandit" inspired by his mini golden doodle. 
June 4, 2022: Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers)
June 4, 2022: Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers)
May 9, 2022: Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati)
April 19, 2022: Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City)
Sept. 28, 2021: Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City)
Sept. 3, 2020; Minute Maid Park (Astros)
Aug. 10, 2020: Dodger Stadium
Aug 7, 2020: Dodger Stadium
Aug. 2, 2020: Kauffman Stadium (Royals)
Sept. 10, 2019: Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox).
Sept. 8, 2019: Marlins Park
Aug. 13, 2019: Coors FIeld (Rockies)
Aug. 13, 2019: Coors FIeld (Rockies)
Aug. 13, 2019: Coors FIeld (Rockies)
July 16, 2019: Brewers pitcher Jeremy Jeffress pets his dog.
July 16, 2019: Josh Hader shows fans his dog at Miller Park.
July 7, 2019: Oracle Park (Giants)
July 7, 2019: Oracle Park (Giants)
June 21, 2019: Oakland Coliseum (Athletics)
June 21, 2019: Oakland Coliseum (Athletics)
June 17, 2019: Great American Ball Park (Reds).
June 4, 2019: Petco Park (Padres)
June 4, 2019: Petco Park (Padres)
June 4, 2019: Petco Park (Padres)
May 29, 2019: Camden Yards (Orioles)
May 14, 2019: Great American Ball Park (Reds)
May 14, 2019: Great American Ball Park (Reds).
April 29, 2019: Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox)
March 6, 2019: Salt River Fields (Rockies spring training)
Feb. 21, 2019: Padres outfielder Hunter Renfroe with his dog on media day
Sept. 24, 2018: Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox)
May 30, 2018: Kauffman Stadium (Royals)
Sept. 16, 2018: Tropicana Field (Rays)
Sept 12, 2018: Camden Yards (Orioles)
Sept. 12, 2018: Camden Yards (Orioles)
Sept. 2, 2018: Minute Maid Park (Astros)
Aug. 22, 2018: Coors Field (Rockies)
Aug. 22, 2018: Coors Field (Rockies)
Aug. 22, 2018: Coors Field (Rockies)
June 19, 2018: Petco Park (Padres)
June 19, 2018: Petco Park (Padres)
May 30, 2018: Kauffman Stadium (Royals)
May 20, 2018: SunTrust Park (Atlanta)
May 5, 2018: Citi Field (Mets)
April 23, 2018: Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox)
Sept. 6, 2017: Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox)
June 29, 2017: Petco Park (Padres)
June 10, 2017: Tropicana Field (Rays)
Aug. 20, 2016: Citizens Bank Park (Phillies)
Aug. 29, 2015: AT&T Park (Giants)1 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 6, 2025: The Phillie Phanatic interacts with Philadelphia Phillies service dog Tugger during a break in action against the Baltimore Orioles at Citizens Bank Park.1 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 6, 2025: The Phillie Phanatic interacts with Philadelphia Phillies service dog Tugger during a break in action against the Baltimore Orioles at Citizens Bank Park.2 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
April 7, 2025: Jackie Hornung and her Samoyed dog, Lumi (also known as Little Bear Lumi), throw a ceremonial first pitch before the game between the New York Mets and Miami Marlins at Citi Field.3 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
April 6, 2025: A dog is seen at the game between the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays at Citi Field.4 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 3, 2024: Fans bring their dogs during the Bark in the Park night prior to the game between the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium.5 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 28, 2024: Decoy, the dog of the Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, waits for instruction before delivering the first pitch before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium.6 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 28, 2024: A dog gets close to the camera during the Bark at the Park event before the Colorado Rockies' game against the Miami Marlins at Coors Field.7 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 28, 2024: Television actress Caitlin O'Connor holds her dog Bubbles on the field prior to the Pittsburgh Pirates playing the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park.8 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 24, 2024: Oakland Athletics head groundskeeper Clay Wood (left) and manager Mark Kotsay (right) pet Reba, the Oakland Athletics' clubhouse dog, in the dugout before the game between the Oakland Athletics and Milwaukee Brewers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.9 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 12, 2024: Dogs walk on the warning track for Bark in the Park day before the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.10 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 2, 2024: Fans and their dogs walk the field during a pup parade during Pups in the Park day prior to the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium.11 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 2, 2024: Fans and their dogs walk the field during a pup parade during Pups in the Park day prior to the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium.12 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 9, 2024: A dog takes the ball from Milwaukee Brewers first base coach Quintin Berry following a first pitch prior to the game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Bark at the Park night at American Family Field.13 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 5, 2024: Oakland Athletics infielder Max Schuemann shares a moment with Reba, the Oakland Athletics' clubhouse dog, before a game against the Miami Marlins at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.14 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
April 16, 2024: Chase Field, Arizona15 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
March 31, 2024: Oakland Athletics head groundskeeper Clay Wood's dog Reba plays with a baseball on the field before the game between the Oakland Athletics and Cleveland Guardians at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.16 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
March 29, 2024: Oakland Athletics groundskeeper Clay Wood and his dog rake the infield before a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.17 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
March 29, 2024: A dog dressed in New York Mets apparel sits in front of Citi Field before the Opening Day game between the Mets and Milwaukee Brewers.18 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Oct. 8, 2023: Camden Yards19 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 7, 2023: Great American Ball Park.20 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 7, 2023: Great American Ball Park.21 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 19, 2023: Citi Field (Mets)22 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 9, 2023: Great American Ball Park23 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
April 11, 2023: Citi Field24 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 28, 2022: Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (Oklahoma CIty Dodgers)25 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 5, 2022: Dodger Stadium26 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 5, 2022: A dachshund gives a Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw doll a ride around the field during the Pups at the Park Parade at Dodger Stadium.27 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 5, 2022: Dodger Stadium28 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 5, 2022: Dodger Stadium29 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 16, 2022: Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds)30 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Brooks, a 2-year-old Dalmatian owned by Sarah Paukert of Ames, enjoys the action during the Dog Days at Principal Park as the Iowa Cubs hosted Columbus in a minor league baseball game on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, in Des Moines.31 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 7, 2022: Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brent Suter throws out a first pitch for his dog on Bark at the Park night prior to the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at American Family Field. Suter wrote a children's book "The Binky Bandit" inspired by his mini golden doodle.32 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 4, 2022: Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers)33 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 4, 2022: Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers)34 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 9, 2022: Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati)35 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
April 19, 2022: Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City)36 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 28, 2021: Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City)37 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 3, 2020; Minute Maid Park (Astros)38 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 10, 2020: Dodger Stadium39 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug 7, 2020: Dodger Stadium40 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 2, 2020: Kauffman Stadium (Royals)41 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 10, 2019: Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox).42 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 8, 2019: Marlins Park43 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 13, 2019: Coors FIeld (Rockies)44 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 13, 2019: Coors FIeld (Rockies)45 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 13, 2019: Coors FIeld (Rockies)46 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
July 16, 2019: Brewers pitcher Jeremy Jeffress pets his dog.47 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
July 16, 2019: Josh Hader shows fans his dog at Miller Park.48 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
July 7, 2019: Oracle Park (Giants)49 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
July 7, 2019: Oracle Park (Giants)50 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 21, 2019: Oakland Coliseum (Athletics)51 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 21, 2019: Oakland Coliseum (Athletics)52 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 17, 2019: Great American Ball Park (Reds).53 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 4, 2019: Petco Park (Padres)54 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 4, 2019: Petco Park (Padres)55 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 4, 2019: Petco Park (Padres)56 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 29, 2019: Camden Yards (Orioles)57 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 14, 2019: Great American Ball Park (Reds)58 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 14, 2019: Great American Ball Park (Reds).59 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
April 29, 2019: Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox)60 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
March 6, 2019: Salt River Fields (Rockies spring training)61 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Feb. 21, 2019: Padres outfielder Hunter Renfroe with his dog on media day62 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 24, 2018: Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox)63 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 30, 2018: Kauffman Stadium (Royals)64 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 16, 2018: Tropicana Field (Rays)65 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept 12, 2018: Camden Yards (Orioles)66 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 12, 2018: Camden Yards (Orioles)67 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 2, 2018: Minute Maid Park (Astros)68 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 22, 2018: Coors Field (Rockies)69 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 22, 2018: Coors Field (Rockies)70 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 22, 2018: Coors Field (Rockies)71 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 19, 2018: Petco Park (Padres)72 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 19, 2018: Petco Park (Padres)73 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 30, 2018: Kauffman Stadium (Royals)74 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 20, 2018: SunTrust Park (Atlanta)75 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
May 5, 2018: Citi Field (Mets)76 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
April 23, 2018: Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox)77 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Sept. 6, 2017: Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox)78 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 29, 2017: Petco Park (Padres)79 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
June 10, 2017: Tropicana Field (Rays)80 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 20, 2016: Citizens Bank Park (Phillies)81 / 81Bark at the Park: Dogs at MLB games
Aug. 29, 2015: AT&T Park (Giants)Seattle Mariners
Oh, this would probably never happen. We include the Mariners in these thought exercises virtually every year and then all they do is re-sign Jorge Polanco or an odd Solano here or there.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAlas, there’s a compelling case here for the Mariners to both go for the kill in 2026 while also securing their future.
Sure, they’re very happy with Victor Robles in right field, and few players are so elite defensively. Yet signing Bellinger would ease Robles into what’s probably a more appropriate role as a part-time outfielder.
Additionally, it will get ahead of the loss of leadoff man and left fielder Randy Arozarena, who’s eligible for free agency after this season.
Sure, the Mariners finally got proactively aggressive this summer, when they traded for Josh Naylor and then locked him up to a four-year, $92 million deal earlier this month. That takes care of first base for the foreseeable future.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementYet imagine a lineup where Bellinger folds in and around switch-hitting Cal Raleigh and righty-swinging superstar Julio Rodriguez, while nudging Naylor a bit deeper in the lineup, where he probably belongs.
And imagine their peerless pitching staff further benefiting from a defensively elite outfield, with Bellinger flanking Rodriguez and his 11 outs above average, with Robles, should they desire, on the other side?
It feels a bit excessive. Yet this is a club that fell just one win shy of the World Series. Why not pile on with the AL West still very much for the taking for the foreseeable future?
Pittsburgh Pirates
It’s probably impossible to shame the Pirates into action. Let’s try, anyway.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLook, the Pirates need good baseball players. Many, many good baseball players. And it just so happens they are closing in on figuring out the pitching piece of it, thanks to the once-in-a-lifetime gift that is Paul Skenes along with emerging young talent like Bubba Chandler.
There’s only one way to turn Skenes’ Pittsburgh era into something less than a death march into free agency, and that’s to surround him with a lineup that seems at least half-serious about competing. Bellinger would plant that flag significantly.
How badly could they use him? Well, let’s burrow through his primary positions and see how they produced in 2025:
Left field – A .624 OPS, ranked 30th (last) in the majors.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCenter field – A .664 OPS (22nd).
Right field – Led by veteran Bryan Reynolds, a .693 OPS (18th).
First base – A .734 OPS (16th).
Hey, nothing against Jack Suwinski, Oneil Cruz, Reynolds and Spencer Horwitz. Yet injecting Bellinger would provide a significant boost to the lineup and, probably, all those guys’ bottom lines, regardless of where Belli got his at-bats.
More important, it’d provide credibility for a franchise whose top free agent expenditure remains a $39 million investment in pitcher Francisco Liriano one decade ago.
That’s assuming, you know, that the Pirates care about credibility and attracting better players down the road. If not, cue the Skenes death march – and the laugh track.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cody Bellinger Dodgers reunion? Yankees MLB free agent news
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