Dodgers’ Prospect Watch: 2017 MLB Spring Training Recap

CODY BELLINGER

Cody Bellinger is the now the Dodgers’ #1 overall prospect and with good reason. The kid can swing it. Period.

His 2017 spring was not a desirable one by any means and some would look at it as a disappointment, but for a player this young and talented, it’s a process in his development and everyone has to go through it.

The evidence is best seen in his 18 strikeouts over the 51 at-bats he has taken. Consistently higher velocities, sharper breaking pitches, smarter pitchers: everyone has to adjust.

His .522 OPS does not represent the type of player he is or will be, so let him keep working, and things will straighten out under the watchful eye of the Dodgers’ farm system.

The 2013 4th rounder did have seven RBIs and seven walks on a productive note. Those numbers will continue to rise as the strikeouts and non-quality at-bats continue to drop. When it comes down to it, he is just too talented of a hitter and will be in the major leagues at some point this season, even if it is to just get his feet wet. Bellinger isn’t the type of prospect who’s future at the big league level is in question. It’s not a matter of if, but rather when he’ll debut; and when that comes along, hold onto your stirrups, this offense is going to be fun to watch.

Los Angeles has a lot to be excited about for the heir apparent to Adrian Gonzalez at first base and all of us here at Dodgers’ Way expect big things from him in 2017 and beyond.

Bottom Line: Relax, he’s gonna be fine.