Cody Bellinger was a great addition to the New York Yankees last offseason, but he played well enough to opt out of his deal in search of a more lucrative contract.
On Tuesday, his agent, Scott Boras, revealed a list of teams that are showing interest in the former MVP, and among them was the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers reportedly agreed to sign Edwin DÃaz on Tuesday, and MLB insider Mark Feinsand revealed how it affects the Dodgers’ pursuit of Bellinger.
“It’s naïve to rule out the Dodgers when it comes to any big-ticket free agent, but their need for (Kyle) Tucker or Bellinger is not as dire as some of the other teams pursuing the outfielders,” wrote Feinsand. “I would be surprised if either of them winds up in Los Angeles, but it’s certainly not an impossibility.”
One of the Dodgers’ only flaws is that they do not have a reliable third outfielder. Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages are both great players for them, but beyond them, there is a question mark in the outfield. While signing Bellinger would certainly help the Dodgers, they do not need him as badly as other teams.
The Dodgers could use Tommy Edman in the outfield next season. He was limited in his ability to play out there thanks to an ankle injury. However, after offseason surgery, he is in play to man center field again.
The Dodgers are one of the few teams that can outbid the Yankees in free agency. They seemingly have no limitations. The Yankees have been very open about their desire to keep Bellinger, and if the Dodgers are not pursuing him seriously, the Yankees are in better shape to re-sign him.
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