Cody Bellinger's Post-MVP Struggles And Comeback

What happened to Cody Bellinger after his MVP season? It's a question many baseball fans, especially those who witnessed his spectacular 2019 campaign, have been pondering. After an absolutely electrifying MVP year where he hit .305 with 47 home runs and 115 RBIs, Bellinger seemed destined for superstardom. He was young, dynamic, and played a premium position. However, the following seasons presented a stark contrast. Injuries, slumps, and a general decline in production left many wondering if he would ever recapture that magic. This article dives deep into the roller-coaster ride of Cody Bellinger's career since his MVP triumph, exploring the factors that contributed to his struggles and the remarkable comeback that has re-established him as one of baseball's most exciting players.

The Golden Year: Bellinger's 2019 MVP Season

Before we delve into the downturn, it's crucial to remember just how good Cody Bellinger was in 2019. Winning the National League MVP award at just 23 years old is a monumental achievement. He wasn't just good; he was dominant. His offensive prowess was on full display, leading the league in batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS. He was a five-tool player, contributing significantly with his bat, his glove at first base (and previously in the outfield), and his speed on the basepaths. This MVP season wasn't a fluke; it was the culmination of incredible talent and development. He was a fixture in the Dodgers' lineup, a player opponents had to game plan for every single night. The expectation was that he would continue to build on this success, perhaps even becoming a perennial MVP candidate. His stats were eye-popping, and his impact on the Dodgers' success was undeniable. He was the face of the franchise, a young phenom who had seemingly arrived. The hype surrounding him was immense, and rightfully so. He represented the exciting future of baseball, showcasing a blend of power, contact, and athleticism rarely seen. His defensive versatility further added to his value, making him a complete package. It felt like we were witnessing the beginning of a historic career, one filled with multiple MVP awards and championships. This season was a true masterclass in offensive production and all-around baseball skill, setting an incredibly high bar for any future performances.

The Onset of Struggles: Injuries and Slumps

Following his MVP year, things began to shift for Cody Bellinger. The most significant factor contributing to his decline was undoubtedly injuries. In the shortened 2020 season, he dealt with a nagging shoulder issue that clearly impacted his swing and overall performance. While he still managed to contribute to the Dodgers' World Series win, his offensive numbers dipped significantly. Then came the 2021 season, which was largely a lost cause due to a severe leg injury that sidelined him for extended periods and severely hampered his mobility and hitting ability. When he was on the field, he looked like a shadow of his former MVP self. His batting average plummeted, his power disappeared, and strikeouts became a more frequent occurrence. It was tough to watch for fans and undoubtedly frustrating for Bellinger himself. The physical limitations imposed by these injuries made it incredibly difficult to execute the fluid, powerful swing that had defined his MVP season. His defensive capabilities were also affected, further compounding the issues. The mental toll of playing through pain and the inability to perform at his peak likely played a role as well. Baseball is a game of adjustments, and when a player is battling constant physical ailments, those adjustments become exponentially harder to make. The sheer difficulty of performing at an elite level when your body isn't cooperating cannot be overstated. It was a period filled with uncertainty, and many began to question if he could ever fully recover from the physical setbacks.

Hitting a Low Point: The 2021 and 2022 Seasons

The 2021 and 2022 seasons represented the nadir of Cody Bellinger's post-MVP career. In 2021, he played in just 91 games, slashing a dismal .165/.240/.305 with only 10 home runs. These numbers were a far cry from his MVP production and were among the worst in his career. He struggled to find consistency at the plate, often looking lost against opposing pitching. His confidence seemed to be shot, and the dynamic player who once roamed center field with swagger was replaced by someone battling every at-bat. The lockout-shortened 2022 season offered a glimmer of hope for a bounce-back, but it largely continued the trend of mediocrity. While his batting average improved slightly to .210, his power numbers remained suppressed, and his on-base percentage was still too low for a player of his caliber. These two seasons were particularly disheartening because they followed the injury-plagued 2021 campaign, leading many to believe his best days might be behind him. The statistical decline was steep, and the visual evidence of his struggles on the field was undeniable. Fans and analysts alike began debating whether he was still a viable starting player in Major League Baseball. The free-agent market, which would typically be bustling for a player of his age and previous accomplishments, was noticeably subdued due to these recent struggles. It was a challenging period for both Bellinger and the Dodgers, who had invested heavily in him. The narrative surrounding him shifted from