Dodgers Who Were Snubbed in the First All-Star Update
Cody Bellinger, Outfield
Alright, even I’ll admit this is a homer pick. Bellinger has played just over a month in the majors but has not failed to disappoint. In only 33 games as a big leaguer, the kid has 11 home runs and 29 RBI. Those are both marks that are tied for the lead in the majors since his call up on April 25th.
Although Bellinger’s average has dipped quite a bit (.258) and he has a poor strikeout rate (32%), he still leads the Dodgers in home runs and RBI in 20 fewer games than the everyday starters.
More from Dodgers Way
- Giants laughably sign pitcher that Dodgers absolutely own
- Dave Roberts’ quote about Padres in NLDS should motivate Dodgers
- Dodgers might find their next Tyler Anderson with this free agent target
- Former Astro seemingly takes uncalled for shot at Cody Bellinger after Cubs deal
- Are Giants falling off and joining Dodgers at back of Carlos Correa chase?
But numbers aside my point on why Bellinger should begin to accumulate votes is simply because he’s exciting. Fans love moon shots and electrifying players on the base paths, that’s what Bellinger brings to the NL All-Stars. Similar to Taylor, Bellinger would have to be a fan write-in to accumulate votes to be an NL All-Star, so the likely hood of that happening are slim.
I have a difficult time taking the current MLB All-Star system as a credible source for who’s deserving of an All-Star vote. When players from the Cubs like Javier Baez, Wilson Contreras, Jason Heyward (who are all fine players) are beating out more deserving players, it’s a bit of a head scratcher when they receive more votes than players like Grandal, Taylor, or Bellinger.
Bellinger has the power numbers to be considered as an NL reserve when it’s all said and done. If he can find a way to spike up that average around .300 he should repeat Seager’s path of being a rookie All-Star.
Each of these players mentioned in this article may not receive enough votes to start for the NL. They should all at the very least be considered as a reserve for the team. The Dodgers have one of the best all-around offenses in the league, so to only have one player as a starter is odd. Maybe at some point in the coming years, the MLB will begin to reconsider their method of All-Star voting. In the mean time continue to vote for your Dodgers as NL All-Stars on MLB.com.