According to multiple reports, the Los Angeles Dodgers and veteran outfielder Cody Bellinger agreed to a one-year, $17 million contract before the Dec. 1 lockout. The deal would allow for the sides to avoid arbitration while giving Bellinger a $900,000 raise from his 2020 salary.
The 26-year-old Bellinger didn’t have an impressive year in 2021, hitting just .165 with 10 homers and 36 RBI in 95 games. Injuries played a part in Bellinger’s disappointing 2021, as he dealt with a hairline fracture in his left leg, a hamstring strain and a rib fracture. He did fare better in the 2021 playoffs, earning a .353 average with one homer and seven RBI in 12 contests.
In his MVP season in 2019, Bellinger hit .305 with 47 homers and 115 RBI; and in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Bellinger’s average fell to .239, but he still hit 12 homers and 30 RBI in 56 games.
Bellinger will be eligible for arbitration one more time next offseason before becoming eligible for unrestricted free agency after the 2023 campaign.
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