Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger Sets NL Rookie Home Run Record

During the series in Washington, Cody Bellinger shared that his initial goal for 2017 was to be called-up in September. That’s absolutely hilarious when you think about all that he has done this year.

On Friday night, Cody Bellinger hit his 39th home run of the season, setting the new record for the most home runs hit by a National League rookie.

The most homers EVER in a debut season.

And what a debut season it is for @Cody_Bellinger. #ClimbOn pic.twitter.com/OR14n82zUr

— MLB (@MLB) September 23, 2017

Going into Friday’s game, Cody Bellinger had a slash line of .274/.356/.596 in 123 games this season. He leads the team in home runs, RBIs, runs, slugging percentage, and on-base plus slugging percentage. His 39 home runs is also second in the National League, only behind Giancarlo Stanton who has a ridiculous 56 home runs this year. With all of that said, I believe it’s safe to say that he exceeded his expectations for 2017.

So what records are next for Cody Bellinger? Well, the MLB record for the most home runs hit by a rookie is 49 set by Mark McGwire in 1987. With only eight games left this season, that record seems a bit unlikely. Also worth mentioning, Aaron Judge is closer to that record with 45 home runs this year. Another record to consider is the most home runs set by a left-handed Dodger. That record was set by Shawn Green in 2001 when he hit 49 home runs. Again, with eight games left, he’s going to need to go off. But if not this year, 49 home runs seems very achievable at some point in his career!

He is pretty much guaranteed the National League Rookie of the Year Award and will undoubtedly gets some votes for the National League MVP Award. Congratulations, Cody on breaking yet another record!