Stop Sleeping On Cody Bellinger
Start writing a post
Sports

Stop Sleeping On Cody Bellinger

Early in the season, Cody Bellinger is already making a case for the title of NL MVP.

84
Stop Sleeping On Cody Bellinger
instagram.com/dodgers

While Mike Trout remains king of the American League, there is constant debate over who reigns supreme in the National League. Well, I'm here to tell you the answer.

2017 National League Rookie of the Year, 2018 NLCS MVP, future National League and World Series MVP...

Mr. Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

You might recognize him from the incredible diving catch he made during game four of the 2018 NLCS

Or maybe you've seen his beautiful swing, which has made appearances in two straight World Series.

Belli, Codylove, whatever you call him, there's no denying that he is at the top of his game right now. In his third season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bellinger is firing on all cylinders.

According to Baseball Reference, as of April 22nd, Bellinger leads the National League with a batting average of .424. He also leads the league in runs scored (26), on-base percentage (.500), slugging percentage (.882), hits (36), and times on base (50). Bellinger is also second in the National League in home runs (11) and runs batted in (28).

First in home runs and runs batted in the National League is Bellinger's main competition for the NL MVP title this year.

Who is Bellinger's rival so far? Milwaukee Brewers center fielder and 2018 National League MVP Christian Yelich.

According to Baseball Reference, Yelich leads the National League in home runs (13) and runs batted in (31). The sports world is obsessed with Yelich, and it seems that whenever I turn on ESPN, they are talking about how he dominates the National League. A quick look at the stats reveals that Bellinger has a real shot at knocking Yellich off his throne.

Last week at Yelich's home field of Miller Park, it was Belli versus Yelli.

As the Dodgers faced off against the Brewers, all eyes were on Belli and Yelli to make big plays and take home the W. Bellinger shined in the outfield as he robbed Yelich of his 14th homer of the season with a leaping catch. Later in the game, Belli went yard himself, securing his 11th homer this season. Still, sports media fixated on Yelich's four homers over the course of the series.

There's no denying that Cody Bellinger is clutch.

With his go-ahead home run in Milwaukee on April 21st, Bellinger became the second left-handed batter ever to hit a home run off Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Josh Hader. That homer came with 2 outs in the 9th inning and on a 1-2 count, allowing the Dodgers to ultimately claim victory over the Brewers and win the series. Bellinger hits dingers when they count, even blasting them out of the park when he's on the road, whereas all 13 of Yelich's home runs this season have been hit at home in Milwaukee.

Bellinger has helped the Dodgers claim first place in the NL West.

The Dodgers currently have 15 wins and 9 losses, landing them in first place in the National League West division, thanks in large part to Cody Bellinger's skills at the plate. Without Bellinger's RBIs, the NL West picture would be looking a lot different going into May. It's still early, but if Bellinger can keep up this pace, it's possible that he could secure the NL MVP title. That is, as long as the media can stop talking about Christian Yelich long enough to give Bellinger's talent the recognition it deserves.

The stats speak for themselves. It's time to stop sleeping on Cody Bellinger.




Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

88575
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

194036
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments