Dodgers: Cody Bellinger Should be Nearly Untouchable in Trades

The Dodgers have a pretty special young player in Cody Bellinger.  Bellinger should be untouchable in most trades outside of a few select players.

Last week it was reported that the Marlins expected a player back like Cody Bellinger if the Dodgers wanted to successfully land J.T. Realmuto.  While there is no doubt that there are few catchers in baseball better than Realmuto right now, the Dodgers would be foolish to deal Bellinger in a deal for Realmuto.

In fact, Cody should be untouchable in nearly every trade proposal offered by the Dodgers.  It’s hard to imagine a position player who could be had that would be worth giving up Cody Bellinger for.  Sure there are obvious players like Trout and Betts, but those guys are not going to be traded.

While Bellinger did hit below 200 in the postseason, he had several key moments that sparked the Dodgers in October.  In the NLCS he delivered a walkoff hit in extra innings and made a game saving catch in right field.  Then there was his big home run in game seven of the NLCS and his lazer throw against Boston in extra innings of the World Series.

Right now the trade block consists of Realmuto, Scooter Gennett, Whit Merrifield, and then goes downhill after that.  The only feasible trade ideas that are realistic would be if the Mets are truly shopping Jacob deGrom or Noah Syndergaard.  For either of those two aces, Bellinger would be a fair asking price and it would make sense for the Dodgers if they wanted a dominant trio of deGrom/Syndergaard, Buehler, and Kershaw.

More from LA Dodgers News

• Kevin Kiermaier being ‘top target’ to replace Cody Bellinger is bad sign for Dodgers
• Giants laughably sign pitcher that Dodgers absolutely own
• Dave Roberts’ quote about Padres in NLDS should motivate Dodgers
• Former Astro seemingly takes uncalled for shot at Cody Bellinger after Cubs deal
• Dodgers’ 2023 lineup without Trea Turner isn’t as impressive as it should be

Outside of the Mets two aces, it’s hard to envision a trade where Bellinger should be available.  Bellinger had a “sophomore slump” and still managed to hit 25 home runs this season.  In the Major Leagues this season, there were only five centerfielders who hit more than 25 home runs this season.

Given Max Muncy’s breakout season, the Dodgers could be looking at playing Bellinger in centerfield next season.  Bellinger is arguably the best defensive centerfielder on the roster right now, and unless Max Muncy is sold high on, then Bellinger will not be the primary first baseman in 2019.  The front office loves versatility and Bellinger gives the front office plenty of that as he can play any outfield position well and also first base.

Cody Bellinger has a rare power and speed combo that makes him similar to Paul Goldschmidt.  While Bellinger may not hit 300, he is a lock for at least 20-30 home runs a season and if he attempted to steal more often he could be a 20-20 guy in his sleep.  He could even reach a 30-30 season one of these years.  This year Bellinger went 14-15 in stolen base attempts so the Dodgers need to give him the green light more often next year.

On top of his versatility and power-speed combination, Cody Bellinger is under control for five more seasons and is not a free agent until the 2023 season concludes.  That makes him even more valuable and it’s easy to forget that Cody will only be 23 years old until the later stages of the 2019 season.  Outside of a deal for a controllable ace like the aforementioned Mets’ duo, Cody Bellinger should be untouchable in trades.