Cody Bellinger's Dodgers Journey: What Went Wrong?

Hey baseball fans! Let's dive deep into the rollercoaster that was Cody Bellinger's time with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Many of you have been asking, "What happened to Cody Bellinger Dodgers?" It's a question that's been on a lot of minds, especially after his meteoric rise and then, well, a noticeable dip. We're talking about a former MVP here, a guy who looked like he was destined for superstardom in Dodger blue. But injuries, slumps, and perhaps some adjustment issues crept in, leading to a departure that surprised many. This article is going to break down the journey, the highs, the lows, and what ultimately led to Bellinger no longer being a Dodger. Get ready, because it’s a story filled with incredible highs and some tough lows that we need to unpack.

The Explosive Start: MVP Caliber Cody Bellinger

Man, remember when Cody Bellinger first burst onto the scene with the Dodgers? It was electric! He came up and immediately looked like the real deal, showing power, speed, and an incredible glove. It wasn't long before he was a legitimate star. The absolute pinnacle of his early Dodgers career, and indeed his entire career so far, was the 2019 season. Cody Bellinger absolutely crushed it, winning the National League MVP award. He was hitting for average, slugging dingers left and right, playing Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field, and even showing off some speed on the basepaths. He was, without a doubt, one of the best players in baseball. This was the Cody Bellinger everyone expected to see for years to come in Los Angeles. The hype was real, and he was delivering on all fronts. He became a fan favorite, a guy you could count on to make a game-changing play or hit a massive home run. His athleticism was off the charts, making him a threat in every facet of the game. This MVP season wasn't just a flash in the pan; it was a statement of his immense talent and potential. The Dodgers had a homegrown superstar, and the future looked incredibly bright. He was hitting .305 with 47 home runs and 115 RBIs that MVP year, and he also won a Gold Glove. That's a complete player, guys! The sheer dominance he displayed was breathtaking, and it set expectations incredibly high for what was to come. It’s moments like these that make baseball so exciting, and Bellinger provided plenty of them during his early years with the team. The way he effortlessly transitioned from prospect to bona fide superstar was a testament to his dedication and raw talent. He was hitting for power, driving in runs, and making jaw-dropping plays in the outfield. It felt like we were witnessing the start of a dynasty, with Bellinger at its core. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver in clutch situations further cemented his status as a true game-changer. He wasn't just good; he was great, and in an era where strikeouts were becoming more prevalent, Bellinger was still hitting for a solid average while still showcasing elite power. The combination of his offensive prowess and defensive excellence made him a true five-tool player, a rare commodity in today's game. He embodied the excitement and potential of that young, talented Dodgers squad, and his MVP season was the well-deserved cherry on top of an already impressive start to his MLB career. The buzz around him was palpable, and it was clear that he was on his way to becoming a household name, not just in Los Angeles, but across the entire baseball world. His contributions were vital to the Dodgers' success, and his presence alone made them a formidable opponent. It was an era of unprecedented success for the team, and Bellinger was undoubtedly one of its brightest stars, shining with an MVP glow.

The Cracks Begin to Show: Injuries and Slumps

Following that incredible MVP season, things started to get a bit bumpy for Cody Bellinger. The main culprit, and a recurring theme throughout his later Dodgers years, was injuries. He started experiencing nagging issues that seemed to limit his production and consistency. The most significant injury came in 2021 when he suffered a fractured left fibula, which sidelined him for a considerable chunk of the season. Even before that, he dealt with shoulder issues that seemed to affect his swing. These injuries weren't just about missing games; they clearly impacted his performance when he was on the field. His numbers took a noticeable dip. The slugging percentages that defined his earlier success started to decrease, and he was striking out more often. It's tough to maintain MVP-level performance when you're constantly battling physical ailments. Guys, it’s hard enough to hit major league pitching when you’re 100%, let alone when you’re playing through pain or recovering from serious injuries. The shoulder issues, in particular, seemed to mess with his swing mechanics, making it difficult for him to consistently drive the ball with authority. When he returned from the broken leg, it was clear he wasn't the same player. While he still showed flashes of his old self, the consistency and explosiveness were diminished. The pressure to perform, coupled with the physical limitations, must have been immense. It's a brutal cycle: an injury leads to a slump, which can lead to more pressure, potentially causing more injuries or affecting confidence. The Dodgers, of course, are a team that expects results, and while they were patient, the continued struggles were hard to ignore. We saw stretches where he looked good, but then another injury would pop up, or the slump would return. It was a frustrating period for both Bellinger and the fans who had witnessed his earlier brilliance. The sheer athleticism that made him so special also made him vulnerable to certain types of injuries, and once those injuries started piling up, it became a constant battle to regain his peak form. His defense remained solid, but the bat, which was once a fearsome weapon, became less reliable. It was a stark contrast to the MVP season, and it left many wondering if he could ever recapture that magic. The physical toll of a long MLB season is immense, and for a player whose game relied so heavily on athleticism and explosiveness, any significant injury could have a profound and lasting impact. The shoulder problems, in particular, are notoriously difficult for hitters to overcome, as they affect the rotational power and bat speed needed to hit for extra bases. His journey became one of trying to overcome these physical setbacks, a challenge that many athletes face, but one that proved particularly difficult for Bellinger during his time with the Dodgers. The constant need for rehab and recovery also meant less time to work on refining his swing and building consistent rhythm at the plate, creating a vicious cycle that proved hard to break. It was a tough chapter for a player who had achieved so much so early in his career, and the shadow of injury loomed large over his continued development.

The Striking Out Conundrum: Approach and Adjustments

Beyond the injuries, another significant aspect of Cody Bellinger's decline with the Dodgers was his strikeout rate and overall offensive approach. As the league and pitchers began to adjust to him, Bellinger struggled to make counter-adjustments. We saw a dramatic increase in his strikeout numbers, especially in the crucial 2020 and 2021 seasons. He was swinging and missing at a much higher rate, and his contact quality suffered. Pitchers started exploiting his weaknesses, often feeding him high fastballs or breaking balls down and away, and he seemed to have trouble laying off those pitches or driving them effectively. This offensive struggle wasn't just about bad luck; it seemed to be a deeper issue with his approach at the plate. His swing became longer, and he chased more pitches out of the zone, leading to fewer productive at-bats. The patience and plate discipline that were hallmarks of his earlier success seemed to wane. It's a common story in baseball, guys: players reach the majors, have success, and then pitchers figure them out. The challenge is then to adjust and adapt, and unfortunately for Bellinger, those adjustments didn't come easily during his Dodgers tenure. The data painted a clear picture: whiff rates were up, hard-hit percentages were down, and his ability to consistently get on base was compromised. While he was still capable of hitting for power occasionally, the consistent ability to drive the ball and have productive at-bats was elusive. It seemed like pitchers were attacking him differently, and his response wasn't enough to counter their strategies. The league is always evolving, and hitters need to evolve with it. For Bellinger, the ability to refine his swing and approach to combat new pitching strategies seemed to be a persistent challenge. We saw glimpses of him making progress, but it was often short-lived, and the underlying issues would resurface. This conundrum of strikeouts and approach became a defining characteristic of his later years with the Dodgers, overshadowing the flashes of brilliance that still occasionally appeared. It wasn't just about physical limitations anymore; it was about a mental battle at the plate and a strategic chess match against opposing pitchers that he wasn't consistently winning. The frustration of these at-bats, where strikeouts mounted and opportunities were missed, clearly took a toll. He was swinging at pitches he shouldn't have been, and the results were detrimental to his overall offensive production. This struggle to make consistent contact and drive the ball with authority became a major factor in why his numbers declined so sharply from his MVP highs. The analytical side of the game also played a role, with teams diving deeper into every hitter’s tendencies, making it even harder for a player like Bellinger to hide any newfound weaknesses. The constant barrage of strikeouts was demoralizing, both for the player and the fanbase, as it represented a departure from the all-around offensive threat he once was. It was a complex issue, weaving together mechanical flaws, mental struggles, and the ever-evolving nature of major league pitching. The inability to consistently put the ball in play with authority became a critical hurdle that he couldn't overcome during his time in Los Angeles, ultimately contributing to his departure.

The Dodgers Move On: A New Chapter

Ultimately, the combination of injuries, slumps, and persistent offensive struggles led the Dodgers to make a difficult decision. After the 2022 season, Cody Bellinger was non-tendered, meaning the Dodgers elected not to offer him a contract for the upcoming season. This was a surprising move to some, given his history with the team and his potential. However, it signaled that the organization felt they had seen enough, or perhaps that they believed his struggles were too ingrained to fix within the Dodgers system. It was essentially a mutual parting of ways, allowing Bellinger to seek a fresh start and the Dodgers to reallocate resources. They had invested heavily in Bellinger, and while he provided some incredible moments, the overall trend pointed towards a decline that they couldn't reverse. The decision to non-tender him was a business move, plain and simple. It wasn't a reflection of him being a bad player, but rather a calculated decision based on his recent performance and projected future value. For Bellinger, this marked the end of an era. He had spent his entire MLB career up to that point with the Dodgers, winning a World Series and an MVP award. It was a significant chapter closing. The hope for both sides was that a change of scenery would be beneficial. For the Dodgers, it meant moving on from a player whose production had significantly dropped from his peak. For Bellinger, it offered a chance to rebuild his career in a new environment, free from the weight of past expectations in Los Angeles. He would eventually sign with the Chicago Cubs, looking to recapture the magic he once possessed. This move was a clear indication that the Dodgers were ready to turn the page and focus on other players and future strategies. While it was sad to see a player with so much talent and history with the team depart, the decision was logical from a team-building perspective. The financial implications of keeping Bellinger, considering his arbitration salary and his performance, likely didn't align for the Dodgers. It's a tough business, and sometimes, even with beloved players, tough decisions have to be made. The Dodgers, known for their astute front office, clearly saw the writing on the wall and decided to move forward without him. It allowed them to clear a roster spot and potentially pursue other players who better fit their current needs and vision for the team. The departure of Bellinger, while perhaps a bit abrupt and surprising to the casual fan, was the culmination of several seasons of diminishing returns. It was a pragmatic decision born out of performance trends and financial considerations, paving the way for both player and team to embark on new paths. The Dodgers' ability to adapt and make these tough calls is a testament to their sustained success, even if it means saying goodbye to a former MVP.

Looking Ahead: What's Next for Bellinger?

So, what's next for Cody Bellinger after leaving the Dodgers? Well, he landed with the Chicago Cubs, and the hope was that a change of scenery would reignite his career. And you know what? In his first year with the Cubs in 2023, he showed flashes of that old Bellinger magic! He had a really strong season, hitting for a good average and showing improved power and plate discipline. He looked healthier and more confident, playing a solid center field. It was a fantastic bounce-back year for him, proving that he could still be a highly effective player. This resurgence was huge for him and for Cubs fans who were excited to see him perform. It demonstrated that the talent was still there, and with the right environment and health, he could absolutely contribute at a high level. He put up a .307 batting average with 26 home runs and 82 RBIs in 2023, earning him a Silver Slugger award and a comeback player of the year vibe. This performance silenced a lot of the doubters and showed that his Dodgers struggles might have been more situational than a fundamental decline. The journey from MVP to struggling player and back to a high-level contributor is a testament to his resilience. For Bellinger, it's about continuing this momentum. The Cubs seem to be a good fit for him, and he's playing with a renewed sense of purpose. It's always compelling to watch players overcome adversity and find their best selves again. We'll be watching to see if he can maintain this high level of play in the coming seasons and continue to be a force in the league. His story serves as a great reminder that careers can have ups and downs, and sometimes, all it takes is a fresh start to rediscover your game. The talent that made him an MVP is undeniable, and he's now showing that he can still harness it. It's exciting to see him back in form, and hopefully, he continues to build on this success. Baseball is full of these comeback stories, and Bellinger's is shaping up to be a really compelling one. The key for him will be staying healthy and continuing to refine his approach at the plate against different pitching styles. But based on his 2023 performance, the future looks much brighter for Cody Bellinger than it did during his final years with the Dodgers. He's proven he's not done yet, and that's great news for baseball fans who love seeing talent like his shine. He has the potential to be a significant impact player for the Cubs for years to come, and his journey is far from over. He's back in the conversation as one of the game's exciting players, and that's a testament to his perseverance and skill. The narrative has shifted from