Could Cody Bellinger Be the Missing Piece for the Giants? The offseason has been unusually quiet in the Bay Area, but whispers of the San Francisco Giants showing interest in Cody Bellinger have sparked excitement among fans. According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Giants have ‘checked in on’ Bellinger, adding another high-profile name to their list of potential acquisitions. But here’s where it gets intriguing: while Bellinger’s ability to play first base might not be a priority with Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge already in the mix, his versatility in the outfield could be a game-changer for San Francisco.
Bellinger, a proven defender in the corners, would fit seamlessly into the Giants’ right field vacancy. His +15 Defensive Runs Saved and +6 Outs Above Average as a left fielder and right fielder for the Yankees in 2025 highlight his impact. Plus, his ability to occasionally slide into left or center field provides flexibility, depending on how Heliot Ramos or Jung Hoo Lee are utilized. While he’s not a true everyday center fielder, his defensive prowess in the corners is undeniable.
And this is the part most people miss: Bellinger’s bat could be just as valuable. Coming off a 125 wRC+ season with 29 home runs and a .272/.334/.480 slash line in 656 plate appearances, the 30-year-old has proven he can still deliver at the plate. Yes, his performance at Yankee Stadium outshined his road stats, which might raise concerns given Oracle Park’s pitcher-friendly reputation. However, Bellinger’s ability to hit both right-handed and left-handed pitchers—coupled with his low strikeout rate over the past three seasons—makes him a reliable addition to any lineup.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Are the Giants willing to meet Bellinger’s asking price? MLB Trade Rumors projects a five-year, $140MM contract for the former NL MVP, a figure that might make team chairman Greg Johnson hesitant. Johnson has been vocal about his wariness of long-term deals, especially for pitchers. While Bellinger is a position player, the Giants already have significant financial commitments to Devers, Matt Chapman, Jung Hoo Lee, and Willy Adames through at least 2029. Is adding another massive contract the right move, especially when starting pitching remains a more pressing need?
Speaking of starting pitching, the Giants’ rotation currently includes only Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Landen Roupp. If they’re reluctant to invest heavily in free-agent pitchers, could they address this need via trade and allocate their free-agent budget to a position player like Bellinger? It’s a strategy worth considering, but it also raises questions about the team’s overall balance and long-term goals.
The Yankees, Mets, Angels, Blue Jays, and Phillies have all been linked to Bellinger this winter, with New York reportedly prioritizing him over other top targets like Kyle Tucker. However, with Kyle Schwarber re-signing in Philadelphia, the Giants might have less competition on that front. Still, the question remains: Is Bellinger the right fit for San Francisco, or should they focus on other areas of need?
What do you think? Is Bellinger worth the investment, or should the Giants prioritize starting pitching? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over!
