MLB Power Rankings: Top 25 players in the game today

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 09: Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) during an at bat in the second inning of a game against the Milwaukee Brewers played on April 9, 2019 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 23: Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers slides into second base against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 23, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Dodgers 7-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

12. Cody Bellinger

Baseball fans are witnessing a truly historic start to the season for Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger. All the 23-year-old has done in 29 games this year is hit .427/.500/.913 with 30 runs scored, 44 hits, 14 home runs, 36 RBI and five stolen bases. He has generated 2.6 WAR according to Baseball Reference’s formula and has tied an MLB record for most home runs before May 1.

Bellinger’s April would qualify as a solid season for some players.

We’ve seen stretches similar to this April from the streaky Bellinger, but nothing on this level. He hit .319/.397/.696 with seven homers and 19 RBI in his first 18 career games before finishing his rookie season with a very solid .267/.352/.581 line and 39 homers and 97 RBI. His sophomore power numbers tailed off slightly.

Bellinger is obviously locked in at the plate right now, and the best sign that his hot start might be for real is the fact that he has struck out only 14 times against 17 walks. He is doing it all and has been the best player in baseball in April. His numbers will obviously come back down to earth at some point, but if they stay above MVP level, Bellinger should be firmly entrenched as a top-10 player by the end of the year.

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