Dodgers Rumors: Pundit Pushes LA to Reunite With Another Former Fan Favorite at Trade Deadline

LA made their first big move of the trade deadline, acquiring Kiké Hernández from the Boston Red Sox. He rejoins the Dodgers after spending two and a half years in Boston, and the hope is that he can rekindle his strong play from his days in blue.

Then, they made their second big move, trading struggling RHP Noah Syngergaard to the Cleveland Guardians for shortstop Amed Rosario.

The team still has a few things that they need to address at the deadline, including some pitching needs and another right-hand batter. But some ESPN pundits are calling for the Dodgers to bring back another former fan favorite after the addition of Hernández.

Bradford Doolittle and David Schoenfield of ESPN put together some trade packages that they would like to see happen, one of which has the Dodgers re-acquiring outfielder Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs. Remember him?

“I know this is as probably as unlikely as the Dodgers announcing a change to their uniforms, but ... how about Cody Bellinger back to L.A.? Hear me out, Dodgers fans. This is the new and improved Cody Bellinger! OK, maybe not the 2019 MVP version, but he’s been really good for the Cubs, with a 141 OPS+. He’s cut his strikeout rate from 27% the past two seasons to 17.1%.”

Per ESPN.com

This one may be a bit of a stretch to say the least, but they do bring up some interesting points. Right now, the outfield for the Dodgers isn’t an issue, but what if Heyward and Peralta stop hitting as effectively as they have this season? Can you really rely on them come playoff time?

James Outman is a rookie and has been very streaky throughout the season as well. So, bringing back Bellinger could provide the team with a proven commodity that understands the system well.

They could use both his bat and defense in the field, giving them a solid well-rounded player. But again, this is extremely unlikely to happen. They have bigger needs to address, and Bellinger has seemed much happier since leaving Los Angeles.

“Does an outfield of Peralta, Outman and Heyward sound like a championship-caliber outfield? When you’re facing top pitching in October? Bellinger, at least the way he’s played so far, would be an upgrade. Forgive and forget and forgive a little more, Dodgers fans, because you need Cody back in center field.”

Per ESPN.com

Fans would love this, as Bellinger was a favorite for years, but they moved on for a reason. They already brought back one player that they let go, no need to do it a second time.