Cody Bellinger Wins NL Comeback Player of the Year Award in First Season Away From Dodgers

Former Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger has been named the National League Comeback Player of the Year award winner for his tremendous 2023 season.

The announcement was made by the MLB on Tuesday afternoon.

Bellinger won the award in his first year away from the Dodgers, after being non-tendered by LA in the offseason.

Bellinger enjoyed much success with LA over the first three years of his career, winning a Rookie of the Year award and a Most Valuable Player award.

However, he struggled mightily from 2020 to 2022, ultimately leading to the team letting him go.

Bellinger signed a one-year, prove-it deal with the Chicago Cubs this past offseason, and “prove it” is exactly what he did.

Bellinger hit a career-best .307 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs, both his highest since his 2019 MVP season. Bellinger also hit 29 doubles and stole 20 bases, showing his true versatility as a baseball player.

The first baseman turned outfielder went back to his roots in Chicago, playing in both positions throughout the 2023 season.

He seemed to completely regain his form, setting himself up nicely for a massive payday this offseason.

Bellinger already won the Players Choice Award Comeback Player of the Year, and is now the official MLB Comeback Player of the year award winner in the National League.

He has a robust free agent market that includes the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees and more surprise teams, but I’m sure many Dodger fans would love to see him back in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, that doesn’t feel like a real possibility, but you truly never know.

Congrats to Bellinger on winning this well-deserved award.

Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports