To start, why would Cody Bellinger be an upgrade over in-house options like Jose Martinez, Dexter Fowler, and Tyler O’Neill? For one, he’s left handed. The only two lefties projected to be in the St. Louis Cardinals Opening Day lineup are Matt Carpenter and Kolten Wong. Bellinger would provide a wonderful left-handed presence anywhere in the heart of the order.
Not only is Bellinger left-handed, but he also hits for power. In his first two years in the big leagues, Bellinger has averaged 35 home runs and 71 extra base hits per 162 games.