Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger is making a strong case to win the MVP race this season and not just in the way you associate with him.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger has always been known for his bat and his signature swing. The ‘swing as hard as you can at everything’ swing.
Before this season it seemed it was either a home run or a strikeout for the most part, but he is proving that his approach is so much more than that at the plate.
Bellinger’s line through 54 games is impressive. He currently leads the league in the following categories: BA – .383, runs scored – 48, RBI’s – 49, OBP – .469, SLG – .761 and total bases – 143. He has the second most home runs this season with 19 behind only Milwaukee Brewers’ Christian Yelich.
All of this on its own would be quite impressive if this was the only thing Bellinger was doing for his team. His defense has stolen the stage as of late with his outfield assists.
For example in Sunday’s 9-5 win over the New York Mets Bellinger had two assists, saving two runs and belted a home run.
Just take a look at his assist to third base here from deep right field:
Ladies and gentlemen, he got 'em.
— Sporting News MLB (@sn_mlb) May 28, 2019
Cody Bellinger is putting on a show (again).pic.twitter.com/gN5DCX8MSh
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, Bellinger has accomplished so far this season what only 33 players accomplished all of the 2018 season.
Cody Bellinger at 4.3 fWAR for the 2019 season, and we haven't even reached June. Think about this: Only 33 players achieved 4.3 fWAR for the ENTIRE 2018 season.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) May 28, 2019
Combine this with 9 outfield assists and only one error so far this season and Bellinger is clearly on an MVP pace. It is incredible to see such a well-rounded player excelling in all phases of the game at such a young age.
One thing for certain is he is in for a humongous payday as he is only making $605K this season. He is eligible for arbitration in 2020. Whether it be with the Los Angeles Dodgers or some other team, he will definitely get paid and is the clear leader in the 2019 MVP race.