Cody Bellinger Says Jose Altuve Stole 2017 AL MVP Award From Aaron Judge
By Brendan Balsamo
2019 NL MVP Cody Bellinger was approached at his locker by reporters at the Los Angeles Dodgers' spring training complex in Glendale, Arizona. To no one's surprise, the star outfielder was immediately asked about Thursday's series of apologies from Astros' players.
A visibly irritated Bellinger didn't hold back on his thoughts about the situation on Friday morning, bashing the players, Jim Crane, the organization and even Rob Manfred in his comments.
Bellinger: Altuve stole 2017 AL MVP from Judge https://t.co/6Kd9jbnujj pic.twitter.com/NHX9CaHaNX
— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) February 14, 2020
But perhaps his most scathing comment came when he declared Jose Altuve had robbed New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge of his rightful 2017 AL MVP award.
Altuve narrowly beat out Judge to take home AL MVP in 2017, and given the knowledge of the team's malpractices which have since come forth, Bellinger claims he doesn't deem Altuve worthy of such esteemed honors.
Cody Bellinger didn’t hold back when talking about the Astros.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) February 14, 2020
He said he thought Jim Crane was “weak” yesterday, Altuve stole an MVP, the Astros stole a World Series, and that he believes they cheated in 2018 and 2019.
Judge hasn't been vocal in the support of this sentiment, but removed his congratulatory post for Altuve from his Instagram page just after Manfred's punishment came down upon the Astros.
Although Bellinger was directly affected by the Astros cheating, him coming to the defense of the Yankees is telling as to the gravity of the situation. It's more than a team-by-team thing, and players are coming together over their distaste for the 'Stros.