Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger has won the National League Most Valuable Award for the 2019 season, it was announced on Friday.
Bellinger edged out Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich for the award, receiving 19 first-place votes as opposed to Yelich’s 10 for the recognition as the league’s best player.
It was a banner season for the 24-year-old Bellinger, who led the Dodgers to the best record in the National League. The dynamic hitter produced a fantastic .305/.406/.629 batting line on the year, smashing 47 home runs and racking up 115 RBIs on the season in 156 games.
Bellinger also got points for his contributions on the basepaths, stealing 15 bases, and as an above-average defender both in the outfield and at first base over the course of the year.
It’s the second major award that Bellinger adds to his trophy case after winning the 2017 NL Rookie of the Year Award in his debut season only a couple of years ago.
Despite falling in the National League Championship Series to the Washington Nationals in unexpected fashion, Bellinger and the Dodgers are expected to be back at full force next season and to compete for the World Series crown.
