Cody Bellinger Named 2019 National League Most Valuable Player

Make some room on the shelf, Mr. Bellinger. For the first time since 1988, a Dodgers position player has been named the National League Most Valuable Player. Cody Bellinger received 19 of 30 first place votes to capture the elusive award.

Following the announcement, Cody was embraced by his friends and family, and shared an emotional moment with his father, Clay. Cody credited his unbelievable season to his versatility, and offseason work with hitting coaches Robert Van Scoyoc and Brant Brown. With tears in his eyes, Cody said it best, “It’s what you dream of”.

“Bellinger” is forever linked with other historic names that have taken home the award as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers: Kershaw, Wills, Koufax, Gibson, Garvey. He also becomes only the 3rd Dodger ever to win both the Rookie of the Year and MVP, joining even more impressive names: Robinson and Newcombe.

2019 belonged to Bellinger. He took the league by storm, and was at the top of every major statistical category. He was in the top 3 amongst the National League in OBP, OPS, slugging %, home runs, runs, and extra base hits. Bellinger came out of the gates blistering hot. Through April, he was hitting .431 with 14 HR, 37 RBI, and an OPS of 1.397. He remained one of the most feared hitters in baseball throughout the year. Despite a rough patch in the dog days of summer, Cody finished the year with a slash line of .305/.406/.629, slugging 47 home runs and driving in 115 runs along the way.

In addition to an unreal season at the plate, Bellinger shined in the outfield. His efforts in the field were recognized with a Gold Glove.

Bellinger becomes the first Dodger to win a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and MVP in the same season.