Day Three of the 2022 Winter Meetings proved to be another eventful one, and the week isn’t yet half over. Loyal fans are still waiting to see what roster moves their respective Front Offices will make in the weeks leading up to Spring Training 2023.

Tuesday saw more farewells occurring, as another two pitchers departed the Dodger ranks. Left-handed starter Andrew Heaney is in agreement with the Texas Rangers on a two-year/$25 million deal with the potential to increase to $37 million based on incentives. It was also reported that right-handed reliever Tommy Kahnle is headed back to the New York Yankees on a new two-year/$11.5 million deal.

But the biggest news out of San Diego on Tuesday, although perhaps not surprising, was that popular Dodgers center fielder Cody Bellinger had reached an agreement with the Chicago Cubs for one year at $17.5 million.

It’s no secret that the 27-year-old Scottsdale, AZ native and Dodgers fourth-round draft pick in 2013 out of Hamilton High School in Chandler, AZ has struggled at the plate over the last two seasons. Most will point to his injuries as the reason for his less-than-stellar 2021 and 2022 batting averages, yet no one can – or will – argue that the 2019 MLB MVP and 2020 World Series Champion has been an extraordinary defender as a Dodger. The Dodgers coaching staff worked long and hard in an attempt to turn his offensive struggles around, but to no avail.

Of the 144 games in which the two-time All-Star played during the 2022 season, he had 106 hits in his 504 official at-bats, with 70 runs scored. He did, however, slug 17 home runs, 27 doubles, and three triples, while driving in 68 runs – seventh most on the team. Although his .210 batting average in 2022 was an improvement over his .165 batting average during his injury-ridden 2021 season, it was still well below the Mendoza Line for a second consecutive season.

But despite his struggles during his respective $17 million and $16.1 million 2022 and 2021 seasons, Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras (often referred to as “The Most Hated Man In Baseball” or “The Baseball Antichrist”), repeatedly told reporters that the Gold Glove center fielder entertained offers from “…eleven or twelve teams” before finally deciding on historic Wrigley Field as his next stop.

Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that they will be looking to acquire another outfielder to add to the current roster talent while talking with SportsNet LA’s Kirsten Watson in San Diego on Tuesday evening.

“Obviously, we’ve got Trayce (Thompson) coming back, CT (Chris Taylor) coming back; got Mookie (Betts),” Roberts said. “You know we’re going to go out there and get another outfielder. I do know that. I don’t know who it’s going to be. But Cody was a very good Dodger. I’m going to miss him personally. We had a lot of great conversations and just to kind of see him grow. But it’s a new opportunity for him, so I know there’s going to be a lot Bellinger jerseys still. But just really grateful for Cody and wish him well.”

Many will agree that Bellinger was a Dodger fan favorite. For those who loved and admired him, it was hard to watch him struggle at the plate. Yet, he continually rewarded the faithful with amazing plays in the outfield that helped to bolster the team’s defense during his time in LA.

It has been said that there are never any goodbyes in baseball. A player may wear another jersey, but they will always have a place in our hearts with the memories made in their stadiums. This will be the case with Bellinger, too. Hopefully, not too many of his famous “Belli Bombs” will be hit against our Boys in Blue.

Here’s to more well wishes to players moving on to their next adventure – Andrew Heaney, Tommy Kahnle, and Cody Bellinger.

Thanks for the memories, Belli!

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