Dodgers Rumors: MLB Writer Wants to See LA Trade for Cody Bellinger This Deadline
The Dodgers have been the busiest team thus far this trade deadline, adding old friend Kiké Hernández and veteran shortstop Amed Rosario, losing just two minor league relievers and the struggling Noah Syndergaard.
They’re likely far from done, though.
The Dodgers need to address their pitching, however, ESPN’s David Schoenfield wants to see them address the offense (and defense) a little bit more via another reunion. He has his eyes keen on a what-if reunion with Chicago Cubs outfielder, Cody Bellinger.
That’s what comes with trade season, right? The “what-ifs” and the “how abouts”?
Schoenfield made his case for the possibility:
Hear me out, Dodgers fans. This is the new and improved Cody Bellinger! OK, maybe not the 2019 MVP version, but he’s been really good for the Cubs, with a 141 OPS+. He’s cut his strikeout rate from 27% the past two seasons to 17.1%. Yes, his exit velocity is well below what it used to be, so I don’t know if that 314 average is legit (probably not, based on his Statcast hit data), but at least he’s making more contact and you know about his defense. Via ESPN
Bellinger’s original departure with the Dodgers made a lot of sense at the time, and it’s probably best to not bring him back in the crowded outfield. However, Schoenfield does say some things that could reason Dodger fans to lean toward the idea:
Consider the current options in the outfield: James Outman? He was great in April, but a whiff machine since. David Peralta? Serviceable, but he would be a nice bat off the bench. Jason Heyward? No, I can’t believe he’s been hitting either. Mookie Betts? Hey, he’s been playing second base lately. Does an outfield of Peralta, Outman and Heyward sound like a championship-caliber outfield? When you’re facing top pitching in October? Bellinger, at least the way he’s played so far, would be an upgrade. Via ESPN
I don’t know about how everyone else feels, but this pitch to bring back Bellinger is pretty good. He’s having his best year since 2019, and would definitely be a fun rental for the last few months of the year.
Schoenfield ended his pitch with the following:
“Forgive and forget and forgive a little more, Dodgers fans, because you need Cody back in center field.” Via ESPN
Should the Dodgers make an attempt to bring back the former NL MVP in the already crowded outfield?
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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Source: Dodgers Nation
