Cody Bellinger made major strides in his game in 2019. Obviously, at the plate he chipped in one of the best offensive first halves the game has ever seen. He finished with a .305 batting average and a 1.035 OPS. On the other side of the ball, though, Bellinger was arguably even better.
Bellinger’s versatility across the field — from first base to center and right field — was a key to success for the Dodgers in 2019. It was not just the versatility itself, though. It was the impact he made at every position he played that made it all the more impressive. Collectively, Bellinger put together an elite 26 defensive runs saved (DRS) across the three positions and chipped in a ridiculous 19 DRS in right field — in limited time.
Because of his defensive prowess, he has been awarded the Fielding Bible Award, per Sports Info Solutions.
Cody Bellinger (@Cody_Bellinger) of the @Dodgers is our Fielding Bible Award winner in right field
– 1st Dodgers outfielder to win a Fielding Bible Award
– Tied for RF lead in Defensive Runs Saved pic.twitter.com/aBDgApXh0V
— Sports Info Solutions (@SportsInfo_SIS) October 31, 2019
Cody Bellinger took it home and rightfully so. Here was Sports Info Solutions’ explanation for Bellingers selection:
Bellinger racked up defensive runs saved early in the season, setting a pace that was tough to mach. His 19 defensive runs saved matched Aaron Judge for the most at the position [right field]. Bellinger’s winning ended a three-year award-winning run by Mookie Betts. Like Betts, Bellinger has great range and a terrific throwing arm. Bellinger, Betts, and Brian Anderson of the Marlins tied for the lead among right fielders with five outfield arm runs saved. He is the first Dodgers outfielder to win a Fielding Bible Award.
Hopefully this is a foreshadowing for Cody Bellinger taking home the big prize — the Gold Glove. Maybe he won’t stop there as he figures to be in the Silver Slugger and MVP conversations. Belli could be collecting hardware this off-season.
