How the mighty has fallen.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger went from winning an MVP award in 2019 to being a below-average hitter in the last two seasons.
His decline has been both baffling and disappointing for an organization that prioritizes on-field performance over anything else, as they should.
As a result, Bellinger’s future with the Dodgers is very much in question.
“Friedman said Dodgers haven’t decided whether they will tender Cody Bellinger a contract yet (deadline is Nov. 18). Said they ‘still very much believe in Belli’s ability’ but added ‘we still have time to work through what everything looks like,’” Dodgers insider Jack Harris tweeted.
Friedman said Dodgers haven't decided whether they will tender Cody Bellinger a contract yet (deadline is Nov. 18)
Said they "still very much believe in Belli’s ability" but added "we still have time to work through what everything looks like.”
— Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) November 9, 2022
Andrew Friedman is the man in charge of making baseball decisions in Los Angeles.
The Dodgers Are Still Analyzing Whether To Keep Bellinger
Judging by his quotes, the organization is scanning the market (both free agency and trade) to look for a potential Bellinger replacement, and his future with the organization will depend on that search.
Bellinger is a good defensive outfielder with some perceived offensive upside, so he has value.
However, he hasn’t been good at the plate for two seasons in a row and the Dodgers are worried he will never return to the form that made him one of the most feared hitters in MLB just three seasons ago.
The 2019 campaign is marked by the lively ball: in fact, Bellinger hit 47 homers that year and his next-highest output is 39 when he was a rookie.
But he had a .542 OPS in 2021 and a .654 mark last year, in 900 combined plate appearances.
It’s probably safe to say much of his upside just doesn’t exist anymore.
Bellinger’s future will be decided in the next few days.
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