Cody Bellinger (28), who was kicked out of the Los Angeles Dodgers and made a new nest with the Chicago Cubs, is rapidly emerging as a winning contract. Bellinger’s next recommended destination is the Texas Rangers, who are leading the American League West.
On the 17th (Korean time), MLB.com, the official website of the major leagues, predicted that “Bellinger may be traded to Texas, which needs a slugger in the outfield/designated hitter position,” with the trade deadline approaching in six weeks.
As of the 17th, Texas, a member of the American League West, recorded 42 wins and 26 losses (.618 win rate) on the 17th, leading the team by 3.5 games over the second-place Houston Astros. However, in order to conquer the world series beyond the earth, reinforcement of the designated hitter is necessary.
MLB.com said, “There are many good hitters in the Texas lineup, but the club is desperately looking for a slugger to use in the designated hitter position. As a result of appointing as many as 9 people in the position so far, no player has leaped to the starting lineup. Texas’ designated hitter OPS remains at 24th in the league (.712),” he said. “Texans need a way to maximize Ezekiel Duran’s offense, as Robbie Grossman is currently underproductive in left field.”
The right person to fill the Texas designated hitter spot is Cody Bellinger. MLB.com said, “Bellinger, a former MVP, succeeded in rebounding with a batting average of .271, an on-base percentage of .337, a slugging percentage of .493 OPS, .830, 7 home runs and 9 stolen bases in 37 games for the Cubs. Prior to the 2023 season, he put a mutual option for the 2024 season on a one-year contract with the Cubs, and the Cubs remain at 31-37, making transfers easy. Texas can seize the chance.”
Bellinger injured his left knee while on defense a month ago and is not in 100% fitness right now. It could be a win-win trade between Texas, which needs DH resources, and Bellinger, who can put down the defensive burden for the time being and recover.
MLB.com said, “If you become a designated hitter in Texas, you can take a break from defense until you recover from a knee injury, and when you are ready, you can show off your high-quality defense in the Texas outfield. Bellinger, Adolis Garcia, and Leody Tavares will be a dynamic trio, and Bellinger will be reunited with Cory Seager, who has had a long-time Dodgers meal.”
Bellinger, who appeared like a comet wearing a Dodgers uniform in 2017, won the National League All-Star and Rookie of the Year title with a batting average of 2.67, 39 homers and 97 RBIs in 132 games. Two years later, following the momentum, he won the MVP, All-Star, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger titles, showing off his firepower with a batting average of 3.5, 47 homers, 115 RBIs and an OPS of 1.035 in 156 games.안전놀이터
However, that was the last time MVP Bellinger appeared. Starting with the slump in the 2020 season with a batting average of 2.39 li and 3 seasons until last year, he suffered a long-term slump with a career batting average of 2.3 li and 41 home runs OPS .648, and quickly fell into an ordinary hitter. To make matters worse, he had frequent rehabilitation due to left shin, hamstring, and rib injuries, and eventually was released as a non-tender by the Dodgers after the 2022 season.
Can Bellinger, who sparked a comeback with the Bird’s Nest Cubs, become a winning contract for Texas? After six weeks, attention is focused on the major league trade market.