Los Angeles Dodgers: Three reasons Cody Bellinger could win MVP

Cody Bellinger is off to an extremely hot start to the 2019 season, which could eventually lead to another MVP on the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Cody Bellinger followed up his historic rookie year in 2017 with the typical sophomore slump in 2018.

In 30 more games played in 2018, Bellinger did worse in the power categories that announced his rise in 2017. He hit 14 fewer home runs and drove in 21 fewer runs while striking out 151 times. Despite playing in 162 games last year, Bellinger started only 40 games against left-handed starters.

Management was right to keep him on the bench against left-handers. Last year, Bellinger’s slash line against all left-handed pitching was .226/.305/.376/.681. As a result, Bellinger frequently found himself shuffling in and out of the lineup.

This year, Bellinger has elevated his game in a stratospheric way. It’s early in the season but there is a real chance he can win the league’s most valuable player. Here are three reasons why.

The Numbers

As of this writing, Bellinger is the best hitter in the National League. He is the leader in the Triple Crown categories (home run, RBIs and batting average). Bellinger is also in the top in almost every other measurable category for an everyday player. He hasn’t just improved, he’s playing at MVP levels.

It is unlikely that Bellinger can sustain his current pace, but if he continues to be among the league leaders in the hitting categories then he will undoubtedly be in the discussion.

The Team

One way Bellinger can lose votes is if the Dodgers continue to struggle as mightily as they have this past week. After starting the season 8-2 and looking like the most dominant team in baseball, the Dodgers have gone 1-6 since.

MVP’s rarely come from non-playoff teams; in the last 10 years only Giancarlo Stanton has won the MVP without making the playoffs and he hit 59 home runs and kept the lowly Miami Marlins in playoff contention for some time.

Luckily for Bellinger, the Dodgers play in the NL West. It is unlikely they’ll be challenged by their division rivals and will be on top by the end of the year.

The Story

Every MVP season has a story for better or worse. When Christian Yelich won it last year it was his push into the baseball elite while leading the Milwaukee Brewers to the Central Division title. In 2016, Kris Bryant was the 23-year-old leader of a young Cubs team running towards a destined World Series title.

Bellinger’s story is no more compelling: he’s a former rookie of the year winner. He struggled in his second season and is now on his redemption tour, trying to push the Dodgers back into the playoffs seeking to end their own World Series drought.

Conclusion

Cody Bellinger has the numbers, is on a good team, and the story to make 2019 his MVP season. If the Los Angeles Dodgers are in first place at the end of the season with Bellinger as the leader then he’s got my vote.