Slugging outfielder could return to one of his former teams - but not the Cubs

After failing to land the long-term deal he desired during his last free agent experience, Cody Bellinger is back on the open market - and this time, he's in a far stronger position, coming off a big year with the New York Yankees.

Bellinger thrived in the Bronx, posting a 5.1 bWAR campaign while hitting 29 home runs and driving in 98. His 160 hits were the second-most the former Rookie of the Year and MVP has had in a single season and he also graded out well defensively in the outfield.

But if you're trying to talk yourself into a reunion with the Chicago Cubs, I'm going to stop you right there. The fit is imperfect, at best, and Jed Hoyer has far more pressing needs to address with this roster if he hopes to build a team capable of returning to the postseason in 2026.

Dodgers, Yankees among the teams with interest in Cody Bellinger

The other two teams he's played for in his career are fits, though, in the Yankees and Dodgers. They're not the only potential landing spots, with other teams like the Mets and Angels also connected to him in rumors, but seeing him back in LA or New York wouldn't surprise anyone in the slightest.

The Yankees reportedly prefer Bellinger over Kyle Tucker, the winter's marquee position player free agent, who is looking to cash in after a solid platform season with the Cubs. Why? Bellinger is capable of not only handling multiple outfield positions, but can slot in at first, as well - something Tucker cannot do.

Bellinger took full advantage of the short porch at Yankee Stadium and put up big-time numbers at home this year, including a .909 OPS and hitting 18 of his 29 homers there. And, let's not forget, he's going to command a fraction of what Tucker is looking for, which never hurts.

The back-to-back World Series champion Dodgers are never satisfied - and the outfield is a big question mark for Dave Roberts' club heading into 2026. Fangraphs projects a combination of Teoscar Hernandez, Andy Pages and Tommy Edman starting in the Los Angeles outfield, but Edman can flex and play multiple positions and Bellinger would be an upgrade over any of the three.

Meanwhile, the Cubs are, more or less, set there. Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki return for what could be their final seasons on the North Side (both are set to hit fre agency next winter) and All-Star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong figures to be the linchpin in center for years to come. Michael Busch has established himself as one of the league's best all-around first basemen, blocking Bellinger there, as well.

No need to go full 'square peg, round hole' here. Go out, reload the pitching staff and rebuild the bench and get back to work. Bellinger isn't the guy the Cubs need to go all-in on this winter and that couldn't be clearer.