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Dodgers Rumors: Cody Bellinger, Chris Taylor And Austin Barnes Have Contracts Renewed

Matthew Moreno
3 Min Read
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

En route to leading the Majors with the best record and winning an unprecedented fifth consecutive National League West title, the Los Angeles Dodgers received contributions from those who were expected to play a key role as well as some who surprised.

Falling into the latter category were Cody Bellinger and Chris Taylor. Bellinger, while one of the organization’s top prospects, wasn’t expected to arrive until September as a call-up when active rosters expanded. Meanwhile, Taylor produce a breakout campaign that no one could have predicted.

Also a bit of a surprise was just how effective Austin Barnes was. He began the season as the unquestioned backup to Yasmani Grandal for the first time in his career, but played his way into a starting role come the end of the year.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY! Sports, the Dodgers renewed the contracts of Barnes, Bellinger and Taylor for the 2018 season:

The club did the same for Joc Pederson, Corey Seager and Julio Urias heading into the 2017 season.

Bellinger hit .267/.352/.581 with 39 home runs and 97 RBI, first filling in for the Dodgers in left field, then cementing himself at first base. He went on to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award, giving the Dodgers a second consecutive winner.

Barnes finished the season batting .289/.408/.486 with 15 doubles, eight home runs and 38 RBI. He set career highs in several categories and showed his versatility by playing second base and third base.

Like Bellinger, Taylor began the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City before joining the Dodgers for good. He solidified the leadoff spot for the club and became their everyday center fielder, despite previously lacking experience in the outfield.

Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com