Once the New York Mets traded for Luis Robert Jr., it seemed inevitable that Cody Bellinger would return to the New York Yankees. Bellinger signing with the Mets would have been the best outcome for the Baltimore Orioles, but he has indeed returned to the Yankees. Multiple reports confirmed that Bellinger has returned to the Bronx on a five-year deal worth $162.5 million.
While there wasn't any scenario where Robert should have been under consideration for the Orioles, they were linked to Bellinger in the early weeks of the offseason. Once the Orioles pivoted in the direction of trading for Taylor Ward and signing Pete Alonso, the idea of Baltimore adding the former National League MVP quickly became an afterthought.