Cody Bellinger and Dodgers Avoid Arbitration With Record-Setting Deal
By Karl Rasmussen
Cody Bellinger is fresh off his first NL MVP season and is looking to jump right back into the heat of things in 2020. And he'll do that as a new record holder.
The 24-year-old and the Dodgers avoided arbitration by agreeing to an $11.5 million deal on Friday. That contract is the highest-ever awarded to a first-time arbitration eligible player.
Bellinger gets record 11.5M for 1st time arb eligible players, Seager 7.6M. #dodgers @MikeDiGiovanna 1st
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 11, 2020
Just like the monster season Bellinger strung together last year, the young slugger has locked down an equally massive deal with the team.
Bellinger slashed .305/.406/.629 last season, launching 47 home runs and recording 115 RBI and 15 stolen bases. He also displayed meaningful improvements in the outfield, registering as one of the most effective defensive players in baseball.
#Dodgers OF/1B Cody Bellinger agrees to terms on a $11.5-million deal. SS Corey Seager agrees to $7.6-million deal.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) January 10, 2020
He wasn't the only player to cash in and avoid arbitration with the Dodgers. Shortstop Corey Seager also inked a new one-year deal and will earn $7.6 million in 2020.
The Dodgers clearly have high expectations for Bellinger going forward and it's only a matter of time until the two sides come to terms on a lucrative contract extension for the reigning NL MVP.