​Cody Bellinger (New York Yankees) GettyCody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees speaks with Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) GettyKyle Tucker #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers warms up during batting practice before the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium on March 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) GettyThe Los Angeles Dodgers could have reunited with Cody Bellinger last winter. Instead, they committed a record-setting amount of money to Kyle Tucker—a decision that looks increasingly questionable four months into the season.Patrick Warren of Dodgers On SI reported that Bellinger confirmed the Dodgers contacted him during free agency before signing Tucker.“There was definitely a possibility,” Bellinger told The California Post. “There was some dialogue there, for sure.”Bellinger wanted another opportunity to contend for a World Series with the organization that drafted him. However, his daughter’s approaching school years made long-term stability important. The Dodgers preferred a shorter commitment and eventually signed Tucker to a four-year, $240 million deal.Bellinger returned to the New York Yankees for five years and $162.5 million.Read More From HeavyDodgers Make Stance Clear on Kyle Tucker’s StrugglesBellinger Producing More for Much LessGettyCody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees speaks with Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)The comparison favors Bellinger by a significant margin. Through Monday, the 2026 All-Star Game MVP was batting .255 with 11 home runs, 52 RBI, 10 stolen bases and a .762 OPS.Tucker entered the Dodgers’ series against Philadelphia batting .240 with seven homers, 47 RBI, six steals and a .702 OPS. His 0.9 Baseball-Reference WAR trails Bellinger’s 3.6 despite Tucker carrying an annual salary nearly twice as large.Bellinger’s contract averages $32.5 million annually. Tucker’s deal averages $60 million, includes $30 million in deferred money and gives him opt-out opportunities after the second and third seasons. Los Angeles is paying an additional $27.5 million per year for less production so far.Statcast provides little reason to dismiss the difference as pure luck. Bellinger owns a .349 expected weighted on-base average, compared with Tucker’s .333. Bellinger has also provided defensive versatility in the outfield and at first base, strengthening his overall value.Read More From HeavyDodgers’ $240 Million Star Continues to Struggle After Key Second-Half PredictionDid the Dodgers Make a Mistake?GettyKyle Tucker #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers warms up during batting practice before the game against the