The Rise (Again) Of Cody Bellinger

After a rough first half of the season, the Chicago Cubs have clawed their way back into the NL Central race. They are currently just a couple of games out of first place behind the Milwaukee Brewers. One player who has been playing like his old self is Cody Bellinger. Bellinger’s comeback player of the year season is another reason why Chicago finds itself playing meaningful baseball in the second half. Bellinger’s bounce-back season has been making a huge impact on the Cubs line-up.

The Initial Rise And Fall Of Cody Bellinger

Before coming to the Cubs, Cody Bellinger had a very accomplished early career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bellinger appeared in two all-star games, won Rookie of the Year, an MVP, gold glove, and silver slugger awards. He also helped the Dodgers win the World Series during the truncated 2020 season. However, Bellinger suffered various should injuries the last two seasons, and his offensive stats ultimately regressed badly. After bashing 111 home runs during his first three years in the big leagues, Bellinger only hit 41 the following three seasons. It was almost as if baseball’s best hitter had become its worst almost overnight.

After putting up a slash line of .210/.265/.389 and 19 home runs with an OPS of just .654, the Dodgers non-tendered Bellinger making him a free agent. Chicago took a flier on Bellinger and signed him to a one-year deal with a mutual option for the following season. Many people viewed this as a low-risk high-reward deal for the Cubs. Since he’s been in Chicago, Bellinger has performed much better than expected.

Looking Like His Old Self On The North Side

This season, Bellinger has looked more like his pre-injury self. He’s put up a scorching slash line of .329/.379/.559 with 18 home runs and an OPS of .938. While his power hasn’t completely returned yet, his 2023 OPS is the second-highest of his career. Bellinger currently leads the team in OPS and is second in hits, home runs, RBI, and runs scored. This is also the healthiest he has been in almost three years. Given how successful he has been this season after three not-great years, Bellinger should get everyone’s vote for the “Comeback Player of the Year” award.

The Cubs Decision To Be A Buyer Is Fueling His August Surge

Prior to the trade deadline, Cody Bellinger was in many trade rumors. The Yankees even sent scouts to watch him play. However, after the Cubs opted to be buyers at the trade deadline, Bellinger has gone on an offensive surge this month. So far in August, Bellinger has a red-hot slash line of .447/.488/.737 with three home runs and an OPS of 1.225. The Cubs are in a tight division race with the first-place Milwaukee Brewers. Just over two games separate the Cubs from first place in the NL Central division. The Cubs are going to be relying on Bellinger’s bat down the stretch to make a run at the division title.

The Sneakiest Best Signing In Free Agency

It can easily be argued that Cody Bellinger was one of the great sneaky signings this offseason. Chicago signed him for a bargain contract and was able to get more than they expected in 2023. Cody Bellinger’s bounce-back season after three down years should be one of the most feel-good stories this year. Not only has helped get the Cubs to be a relevant team in the second half, but he has also put himself in a position to finally cash in during free agency. Like in his early days with the Dodgers, he is once again an offensive threat in the line-up.

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