Bellinger was non-tendered.
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/...ngeles-dodgers
Dodgers had one more year of him before free agency, but they're letting him go. Why? Because the broken arbitration system would have awarded Bellinger $18 million, and he's not worth that. Besides, even if somehow Bellinger hits unexpectedly well, he's a free agent for 2024, and then where do they go? So keeping him for $18m just didn't make sense.
This is a great example of how they need to fix the arb system. The system was designed to reward good players before they become free agents, but it's insane that even rich teams like the Dodgers are releasing their own homegrown players because the arb system will overpay them. The arb system should be a lot more performance-dependent -- to where very productive players get the big money, but struggling players can be paid a reduced rate.
He's not necessarily leaving LA, though I'm guessing it's more likely than not that he goes elsewhere. The Dodgers still might sign him in a cheaper multiyear deal. I'm guessing he finds some team willing to gamble on him, especially since a change of scenery can help him.
Basically his hitting has been shit since he injured his shoulder in that stupid shoulder bump following a home run. I'm not sure if it's lingering physical issues, or if he just fell into bad habits since coming back, and can't break out. Or both.
I think some teams will try to take a shot with him because his OF defense is so good. Even if he hits like an average outfielder, his defense is good enough to make him valuable. So he doesn't need to destroy the world with his bat in order to make decent money -- just stop hitting .200 and popping/striking out so often.
Originally Posted by Dan Druff
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