With the 2025 season coming to an end, the Los Angeles Dodgers are in pursuit of an outfielder to continue on the victorious World Series streak. Cody Bellinger, a former face of the Dodgers franchise, 2019 NL MVP, Silver Slugger, and Golden Glove Award Player, has been one name that has the attention of the organization. Bellinger’s name resurfacing during the free-agent signings gives anticipated fans hope for a nostalgic reunion, and a closer chance at getting another championship win. However, is this star player the best option for the Dodgers? With other free-agent names being considered, like Kyle Tucker from the Chicago Cubs, and Enrique “Kike” Hernandez from the Dodgers 2025 active roster, the question of whether or not Cody is the best available fit for the 2026 roster becomes more complex.
Cody Bellinger’s History with the Dodgers
During the 2017 season, his first season in the majors, Cody Bellinger became a prominent defensive and offensive player on the Dodgers roster, later winning 2017 NL Rookie of the Year. By the 2019 season, he was named NL MVP, along with being awarded the Golden Glove and Silver Slugger.
These awards were backed by incredible stats and his consistency to ‘come in clutch’ during stressful and intense games. This rising star was at his peak in 2019, with a .305 BA average, 47 home runs, and 1.035 OPS. Though in following years, some of his numbers decreased dramatically. Moreover, he would often appear on the injury list, in large part due to a shoulder injury in 2020, and fractures in 2021. The 2020 to 2022 season were not looking too good for Cody. His BA average lingered in the .200’s and his OPS was falling into the .500’s. Ultimately, Bellinger's performance was not enough to acquire a spot on the 2023 Dodgers roster.
The Resurgence of Cody Bellinger
After leaving LA, the Chicago Cubs took him in for the 2023 and 2024 season. During his time with the organization, he not only improved physically but also was able to get his numbers back to how they were in his prime. In 2025, Cody was traded to the New York Yankees, and that is where he really proved himself worthy. His stats from 2023-2025 were nonetheless better than previous years, everything from his HR increasing to the high 20’s, his BA average staying in the .300’s, as well as his OPS staying consistent in the .800’s. However, will these statistics be enough to prove that he is the essential player needed on the Dodgers active roster?
Competition of the Free-Agents
The Los Angeles Dodgers outfield current lineup lacks depth and talent. With only two previous NLCS active roster players, Andy Pages and Teoscar Hernandez, there is a desperate need for another clutch outfielder.
Longtime Dodgers utility player Enrique “Kike” Hernandez is currently a free-agent, and his likelihood of returning back to the clubhouse is getting slim. Though Hernandez played an important role in the outfield and was one of the top players during the NLCS and World Series, his recent seasons have not matched his previous peak performances.
Overall, when comparing the two possible signees, Bellinger is the better option. Cody offers consistent offense, with higher HR, RBI, and OPS numbers compared to Kike. As well as their AB to SO ratio, Cody Bellinger wins through. Though, when considering flexibility, Kike can play all positions if needed, even pitcher. Therefore it will be a tough decision for the organization, and we will see what their conclusion is on fan-favorite Kike Hernandez in a couple weeks.
Kyle Tucker vs. Cody Bellinger
Long time player of the Houston Astros and current Chicago Cub star Kyle Tucker is currently being looked at by the Los Angeles Dodgers, alongside Cody Bellinger. These two individuals are neck and neck when it comes to their stats. Both outfielders stay within the same range, whether that be their overall AVG ( .273 and .261), OBP (.358 and .334), and SLG (.507 and .483). Kyle Tucker has a slight win over Bellinger overall, though in the recent 2025 season, Cody Bellinger shows a better batting average, more home runs, and RBI’s.
Chemistry within the clubhouse has to be taken to account as well. In obvious standards, Cody Bellinger would be the better choice; with six years of Dodger history and built clubhouse relationships, Cody would be a great addition to the 2026 active roster. Unlike previous Houston Astros Player Kyle Tucker, it seems though there will be a struggle to get Dodger’s fans on board with this decision. Although Tucker was not on the roster during the 2017 World Series cheating scandal, he might be at a loss due to his association with the Astros. However, this might be perceived by the Dodgers organization as a minor concern, or possibly not at all. Maybe they are simply looking to add someone who is new and willing to make a short-term contract deal with.
Is the Price Right?
In answering the awaited question, yes, the Dodgers should sign Cody Bellinger for the upcoming 2026 season. However, is the price for this shocking reunion worth it?
Cody Bellinger is a reliable and flexible player who can play outfield and firstbase when needed. He is also left-handed and therefore has a great advantage over any pitcher that comes to the mound. His familiar face and ability to become fan-favorite once again, gives him a slight upper hand of the Dodgers choosing him over others. Not to mention the salary flexibility and long-term contract deal that can happen with Bellinger on their team. Ultimately, if the organization wants someone fresh and with short-term commitment who is at the championship standards, they can choose players like Kyle Tucker. If they want someone who is willing to sign long-term contracts with a salary that doesn’t go overboard, and who is also to championship standards, they have the ability to pick from Cody Bellinger or Kike Hernandez, or both.
It is going to be difficult to predict who will appear on the Dodgers’ 2026 roster, but in the coming weeks we will see who they believe is the best fit for their team.