When the Los Angeles Dodgers called up Cody Bellinger for his MLB debut early into the 2017 season, he arrived with plenty of fanfare and as the organization’s future first baseman. But with Adrian Gonzalez still on the roster, Bellinger was pushed to the outfield.
Remarkable athleticism and versatility still allowed for him to thrive, as Bellinger went on to become a unanimous selection for National League Rookie of the Year. With the Dodgers trading Gonzalez that offseason, Bellinger assumed the everyday role at first base.
However, he was moved yet again in 2019, filling the void left in right field after Yasiel Puig was included in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds. Bellinger still spent time at first base and finished the season — playoffs included — in center field.
The 24-year-old nonetheless was recognized for his defensive prowess in right field with a first career Gold Glove Award. Bellinger was selected over fellow finalists Bryce Harper and Jason Heyward.
While the Dodgers’ two-time All-Star has a strong reputation at the plate, Bellinger revealed preexisting motivation to win an Gold Glove, via ESPN:
“It’s really special. Going up through the ranks, you have good defense but you don’t really get appreciated for it. I was in right field this year, I just tried to get comfortable out there as quickly as I could every single day. I had some nice players early in the year and I just tried to roll from that.”
“I’m not going to lie, it’s pretty cool to me. I always wanted the gold on my glove. People who have that, obviously they’re really special defensively. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t really happy about this.”
Bellinger is the Dodgers’ first Gold Glove Award winner since Zack Greinke went back-to-back in 2015; he and Gonzalez also received the award at their respective positions in 2014.
Bellinger was first among all qualified NL right fielders this season with a 4.8 Defensive Rating and 19 Defensive Runs Saved. Next on the list was Harper with a 3.2 Def. and 9 DRS.
Bellinger additionally held the advantage in UZR/150 at 15.3 compared to 11, though Harper edged him in UZR (11 to 10.5). Harper did also register more assists, 13 to 10.
Along with being named a Gold Glove winner, Bellinger earned a pair of Fielding Bible Awards; one was in right field and the other recognized Bellinger’s “multi-positional excellence.”
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