Bellinger Working On Refining Swing To Regain MVP Form With Cubs

Cody Bellinger was the 2019 National League Most Valuable Player, and is looking to bring that energy to the Chicago Cubs this season.

The Chicago Cubs’ one-year, $17.5 million deal with Cody Bellinger could wind up being a bargain.

That’s what the Cubs are banking on.

Bellinger, the 2019 National League Most Valuable Player with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been tweaking his mechanics with hitting coach Dustin Kelly.

So far, the results have been positive in live batting practice in Mesa, Ariz.

"Any barrel that happens in a live BP is just extra confidence," Kelly told reporters. "And he felt good. He felt good in the cage (Thursday), felt good in BP. So to see that happen on the field against a live pitcher, it's just another good thing that happens."

Bellinger hit 111 home runs and drove in 288 runs in his first three seasons with the Dodgers.

Over his last three seasons with the Dodgers, Bellinger hit 41 homers and added 134 RBI though the numbers are skewed a bit with the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

Bellinger looks to be healthy after suffering a right shoulder injury in November of ‘20 and a broken left leg in the opening week of the ’21 season.

Bellinger hit only .210 in 144 games last season, but there were glimpses of his old swing.

If Bellinger can stay healthy and locate his old swing, the Cubs will benefit in a big way. The new partnership appears to be working out nicely.

"That was a big reason why I wanted to sign here," Bellinger said. "I was speaking about, like, what I feel is right, and they've accepted it, and they agree. And we've just been working towards it. And it's just feeling more natural and getting confident with it."

Kelly is certainly familiar with Bellinger as they worked together years ago in the Dodgers’ Minor League system.

"I think it's more of a relaxed look in the box," Kelly said of Bellinger’s swing. "He's always (had) kind of a tall, upright stance. But there's a little bit of flexibility in there as he starts to make his move toward the pitcher, and kind of gets into his heel strike."

Bellinger popped a long home run in live batting practice. It was reminiscent of years past when he was one of the best hitters in baseball.

"There were some loud noises on that stadium field," manager David Ross said. "Belli looks like he's in a good spot."

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