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Cody Bellinger 2021 Outlook: Don't Let the Disappointing Average Fool You
4 years agoLos Angeles Dodgers first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger is riding high after a World Series victory even though his .212 postseason average comes on the heels of a regular season where he slashed .239/.333/.455. His power numbers, while adequate at 12 home runs and 30 runs batted in, were not what fantasy managers expected out of a first-round selection and reigning MVP. The good news is that Bellinger's underlying peripherals suggest he hasn't lost his hitting stroke in any way and should have fared better. His expected stats are firmly in the red, including a .284 xBA, .497 xSLG, and .360 xwOBA that all rank above the 80th percentile. We mus not omit his 91st percentile sprint speed which allows him to add stolen bases to his repertoire and provide a big advantage over other first basemen. In all, Bellinger's lackluster final totals may be a result of the shortened season not allowing for his luck to even out and shouldn't discount his value in 2021 drafts. If he falls outside of the top-15 picks, he will be a steal.
