The free agent market isn’t exactly overflowing with difference-makers in the outfield this winter. That’s what the analyst has observed so far. So when Cody Bellinger opted out of his contract with the Yankees, declaring himself a free agent, every clubhouse from Baltimore to Queens to the Dodgers started circling. Now, with the GM meetings rolling through Vegas, the L.A. have entered the conversation, turning what looked like a straightforward pursuit into something far more intriguing.

Bellinger had a decent 2025 season with the Yankees, hitting .272 with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and an OPS of .813. His improved power, durability, and strike-out discipline made him a top outfield choice this winter. He also excelled defensively, ranking 18th in MLB with 7 Outs Above Average, showcasing his elite ability in center field and both corners.

SleeperMets on X recently stirred things up with an update that the Mets are viewed as a natural fit for the former Yankees outfielder. The caption wrote, “The Mets are among the teams viewed as a ‘fit’ for former Yankees OF Cody Bellinger,” as per NY insider Jon Heyman.

The timing couldn’t be better for the NYM. With Pete Alonso opting out and heading back to free agency, the Mets suddenly have the flexibility to reshape their lineup. His ability to play multiple outfield positions and first base makes him exactly the type of versatile piece the front office covets. His projected contract, reaching around $183 million, fits comfortably within the Mets’ spending capacity—especially with Steve Cohen’s willingness to invest in talent.

But another franchise’s shown genuine interest—the world champions and Bellinger’s former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Dodgers Nation account recently posed a direct question to fans: Should the team bring back Cody Bellinger? The results told a compelling story. A clear majority—58.5% of voters—said yes, while 41.5% voted no.

That kind of fan engagement signals something deeper than nostalgia. Dodgersland remembers what Bellinger brought to their championship runs.

With Cody Bellinger familiar with the atmosphere and achieving a career-high OPS of 1.035 and 47 home runs in 2019, the situation becomes more compelling.

If the Dodgers seriously pursue their former MVP, this trade will become one of the winter’s most fascinating storylines. The Mets need to act fast. The Dodgers want to maintain their dynasty. But will the Yankees let him go so easily? The voices coming from the insider’s office suggest the NYY should have him back.

Yankees push to retain Cody Bellinger

The Yankees know that letting Cody Bellinger go would leave a hole in both their lineup and their clubhouse identity right away. Greg Joyce said, “Among the top priorities this offseason is expected to be trying to re-sign Cody Bellinger,” especially because he chose not to play the last year of his deal after a great debut season in pinstripes.

His performance made him valuable, and replacing him on the market would be costly or require trading prospects the Yankees want to keep.

Jon Heyman said, “The Yankees are prioritizing Cody Bellinger, and while word is he’d like to return, there’s no sense it will go quickly.”

The Yankees want him back and are willing to keep negotiations ongoing, as they’ve done with other big-name players in the past.

Joel Sherman put it nicely when he said, “When they really want a player, they let Scott Boras, in this case, know, ‘We really want your player. If he really wants us, don’t let him sign without us getting in at the end.'” This reflects the Yankees’ patient approach and their confidence in the relationship with Boras.

Brian Cashman, the general manager, stressed how important Bellinger was to the team, adding, “He was really impactful for us… Certainly would love to have him with our team moving forward.”

Losing him would mean the team loses a left-handed hitter in the middle of the order and a versatile defender who fits well with the group. The Yankees can’t afford that risk as they strive to stay competitive in a close AL race.