Former Dodgers MVP Cody Bellinger Wins Comeback Player of the Year Award
One of the best stories from the baseball season was the re-emergence of former Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger. He was special for the Chicago Cubs this season, and it led to him earning the National League Comeback Player of the Year award voted on by the MLBPA.
In his first year away from Los Angeles, Bellinger proved that he is still worth being an everyday player for a team in the big leagues. His skill set was never in question with the Dodgers, but it was his consistency that caused him issues.
The 2019 NL MVP hit .307 with 26 home runs and 97 runs batted in during his one season in Chicago. On Friday, he officially declined his mutual option, and now he’s heading to free agency with the thought that he will be signing a massive contract on the open market.
Bellinger showed that he was more than just a power hitter this past season, consistently putting the ball into play, hitting sacrifice flys and more. He did everything for the Cubs and was their leader throughout the season. Unfortunately for them, they just barely missed out on the postseason due to a horrendous final week of the season.
It remains to be seen if Bellinger will return to Chicago next season, but he seemed very comfortable playing his home games at Wrigley Field. It could make sense for him to stay if the Cubs are willing to open up their checkbooks.
All the congratulations to Cody on a great season and while it may pain Dodgers fans a little to see him finding success in a different uniform, it was well deserved.
Photo Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
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Sign him.
I’ve been seriously following the Dodgers since 1971, when I was in high school. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen this sort of thing happen. I’ve heard said in baseball that it’s better to trade/release a player a year early, rather than year too late. In Bellinger’s case I really don’t know, he’s still young enough to have many more good years. That and Friedman the Dodgers GM, was just doing an old fashioned salary dump. He’d better get Ohtani and at least 1-2 more quality starters this off season,or the fans just might lynch him.
He is a Boras client so very few teams will be in the running to sign him. I would like Dodgers to bring him back but it’s unlikely.
Well, I’d take Bellinger over Outman in CF. Adding another .300 hitter in the lineup is a no-brainer. Is there anyone you’d trust more than Bellinger in CF.?I’m sure Outman can cover LF. How much does Bellinger want to come back to LA.? IF he does can he keep Scott Boras from bending Andrew Friedman over the desk to play in LA again.?
Whoever signs him will regret it. He’s a bum.
Why do you consider him a bum? If he’s now plenty removed from past shoulder and leg injuries, he very well might have made adjustments to where he could duplicate his 2023 season. JMO.