The MLB offseason is slowly grinding its gears, but things are heating up in the Bay Area. The San Francisco Giants, looking to shake off a stretch of mediocrity, are reportedly checking in on one of the biggest names left on the board: Cody Bellinger.

It’s no secret the San Francisco Giants need a jolt. After missing out on the postseason recently, the pressure is on the president of baseball operations, Buster Posey, to build a contender. And according to recent reports, including insights from The San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser, the San Francisco Giants have formally checked in on the former MVP.

Why Bellinger Makes Sense for San Francisco Giants

For a team trying to navigate the expansive dimensions of Oracle Park, defense is paramount. That’s where Bellinger’s value skyrockets. He isn’t just a bat; he’s a legitimate defensive asset. While he has spent time at first base, the Giants are fairly set there with Bryce Eldridge and Rafael Devers likely locking down the corner infield and DH spots.

The real vacancy is in the outfield, specifically right field. Bellinger would slide perfectly into that role. His versatility allows him to cover center field when needed—perhaps giving Jung Hoo Lee or Heliot Ramos a breather—but his glove plays exceptionally well in the corners. During his 2025 stint with the Yankees, Bellinger posted +15 Defensive Runs Saved and +6 Outs Above Average. That’s elite production that would play up significantly in San Francisco’s tricky outfield.

Offensively, the fit is just as intriguing. Bellinger is coming off a solid campaign in New York, posting a 125 wRC+ with 29 home runs. He’s a left-handed bat who hits both lefties and righties well, and perhaps most importantly for the modern game, he’s tough to strike out. While his home/road splits in 2025 favored the short porch at Yankee Stadium, his contact skills suggest he could adapt to the Bay.

The Scott Boras Factor and the Price Tag

Here is where the rubber meets the road. Bellinger is represented by Scott Boras, an agent known for playing the long game to get top dollar for his clients. Boras has already publicly connected the San Francisco Giants to Bellinger, noting on the Splash Hit Territory podcast that San Francisco is a potential suitor.

“Scott Boras… He did connect the Giants pretty firmly with Cody Bellinger,” Slusser noted.

The question isn’t whether Bellinger fits the roster; it’s whether he fits the budget. The San Francisco Giants have spent heavily recently, locking up Matt Chapman and making an investment in Lee. Team chairman Greg Johnson has previously expressed hesitation regarding massive long-term deals, particularly for pitchers. However, Bellinger is an everyday player, which might make the front office more willing to open the checkbook.

Projections have Bellinger seeking something in the neighborhood of a five-year, $140 million deal. Boras will be looking to secure the long-term security that eluded Bellinger last winter. Whether the San Francisco Giants are willing to go to that length remains the biggest hurdle.

Competition from New York and Beyond

San Francisco isn’t the only team kicking the tires. The New York Yankees remain the most direct link, having prioritized Bellinger’s known production over other options. The Blue Jays, Angels, and Mets have also been mentioned as interested parties, though the market is still taking shape.

Interestingly, there’s also chatter coming from Los Angeles. Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman recently made comments about being “patient” for a position player who is “really good on both sides of the ball.” While a reunion seems unlikely given how Bellinger’s tenure in LA ended, the Dodgers have never been shy about making a splash if the value is right.

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