Cody Bellinger’s Comeback in Chicago
Perseverance, grit, and dedication. Three words that describe 2019 NL MVP Cody Bellinger. A centerfielder who’s been in the league for six years, five of those in Los Angeles with the Dodgers, who have arguably been the most persistent team for years. Most of their successes come with the help of an all-star centerfielder who has helped offensively and defensively.
2019 was the year of Cody Bellinger. He was in the race to win MVP, with a .305 batting average, .406 OBP, and slugging .629. His stats were through the roof, as he had 115 RBIs by the end of the season, ranked in the top 10 of almost every hitting category. Other than his stellar offense, his defense caught the attention of many. He was making unbelievable catches in the outfield by robbing home runs and diving to the ground. The following year, the Dodgers would go on to win the 2020 World Series. A championship that was long fought for.
Although the Dodgers would remain to be in the playoffs for the next two years, in 2021 and 2022, things took a turn for Cody Bellinger. In 2021 Cody Bellinger had arguably the worst season of his career. Bellinger's batting average dropped from 2019 by 45%, and he was batting .165. This was an all-time low for Bellinger as he was also battling injuries with his hamstring and shoulder. Nonetheless, he was batting below average and not getting on base as well. He had the worst season of a former MVP in the league. The following season, fans hoped to see the Bellinger they once saw in 2019, especially since the Dodgers were looking more seriously into playoff contention with the additions of Freddie Freeman and Trea Turner. Unfortunately, the struggles continued. On the bat, he was slightly better but still only ended the season batting .210. The pressure began to overcrowd him as he started to struggle defensively, primarily in the infield.
There were times when Dodgers fans booed their centerfielder and insisted he gets sent down to Triple-A. As times grew tough in LA, Bellinger optioned out of his contract and entered free agency for the first time in his career. It didn’t take long for Bellinger to sign with the Chicago Cubs for the 2023 season, hoping to bounce back and play like he used to. The Cubs signed him on a 1-year $12.5 million contract which includes a $25 million option or $5 million buyout for 2024. This is a new city for Bellinger as he looks to improve his performance.
As we are a little over a month into the regular season, Cody Bellinger has shown those improvements already. He is currently in the lineup day-to-day, slashing .271/.337/.493. He already has seven home runs and has stolen nine bases. He is seeing the ball better and improving as he starts his approach much later now. His batting stance has changed as he’s keeping his head back and holding his position for as long as he can. With Bellinger’s adjustments and recent success, he has caught the eyes of many, as this could be the star we once saw in 2019. Along with his adjustments in the box, the change of scenery has had a big impact on his performance as well. Change has seemed to benefit Cody Bellinger in many positive ways as he looks to have a bounce-back season in the windy city.