The San Francisco Giants are making waves in the offseason, and this time, all eyes are on Cody Bellinger. While the Bay Area has been relatively quiet in terms of major moves, the Giants have been quietly exploring their options, and Bellinger’s name has now surfaced as a potential target. According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Giants have ‘checked in’ on the former NL MVP, sparking speculation about how he might fit into their lineup.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Bellinger’s versatility could be a game-changer for the Giants. While his ability to play first base might not be a priority with Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge already in the mix, his skills in the outfield could fill a glaring hole. Bellinger could slot seamlessly into right field, with the flexibility to shift to left or center field depending on how players like Heliot Ramos or Jung Hoo Lee are utilized. And this is the part most people miss: Bellinger’s defensive prowess in the corners is no small feat—his 2025 season with the Yankees saw him rack up +15 Defensive Runs Saved and +6 Outs Above Average in left and right field.
Offensively, Bellinger’s bat would be a welcome addition to the Giants’ lineup. Fresh off a 125 wRC+ season with 29 home runs and a .272/.334/.480 slash line, the 30-year-old has proven he can still deliver at the plate. However, there’s a catch: Bellinger’s performance at Yankee Stadium far outshined his road stats, which could raise questions about how he’d fare at the pitcher-friendly Oracle Park. On the flip side, his ability to hit both right-handed and left-handed pitchers—coupled with his low strikeout rate over the past three seasons—makes him a valuable asset.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Are the Giants willing to meet Bellinger’s asking price? MLB Trade Rumors projects a five-year, $140 million deal, a figure that could make team chairman Greg Johnson hesitant. Johnson has been vocal about his wariness of long-term contracts, especially for pitchers, but Bellinger’s status as a position player might soften the stance. Still, with significant money already tied up in players like Devers, Matt Chapman, Jung Hoo Lee, and Willy Adames through 2029, the Giants must weigh their financial commitments carefully.
And this is the part that sparks debate: Should the Giants prioritize Bellinger over addressing their more pressing need for starting pitching? With only Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Landen Roupp locked into rotation spots, the Giants could opt to bolster their pitching through trades, freeing up resources for a high-profile position player like Bellinger. Alternatively, they might decide to allocate their free agent budget to a proven starter instead.
The Yankees have been the most vocal suitors for Bellinger, reportedly prioritizing him over other top targets like Kyle Tucker. However, the Mets, Angels, Blue Jays, and Phillies have also shown interest, though the Phillies’ re-signing of Kyle Schwarber may reduce their likelihood of pursuing Bellinger. Here’s the question that lingers: Is Bellinger worth the investment, or should the Giants focus on shoring up their rotation first? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
