As one of the most dynamic and exciting players in Major League Baseball, Cody Bellinger has made a name for himself as a versatile and powerful player capable of changing the course of a game with both his bat and his glove. Born into a baseball family and with a remarkable career trajectory, Cody Bellinger has lived up to the hype since his debut in 2017.
With his recent trade to the New York Yankees in December 2024, Cody Bellinger’s career takes an exciting new turn. But before we dive into the latest chapter in his career, let’s take a detailed look at who Cody Bellinger is, his journey, and what makes him such an impactful player in Major League Baseball.
Cody Bellinger’s early life and background
Cody Bellinger was born on July 13, 1995, in Scottsdale, Arizona, to a family with deep baseball roots. His father, Clay Bellinger, was a utility player for the New York Yankees from 1999 to 2001, where he contributed to the team during their World Series run. Growing up, Cody was exposed to the sport early and honed his skills with the guidance of his father, quickly developing into a standout player.
It was clear early on that Cody Bellinger was a top-tier talent. At just 11 years old, a year younger than his peers, Bellinger showed flashes of his future prowess. He was part of local team Arizona National Little League’s the Chandler that his dad was heading. His defining moment came during the Little League West Regional, where his clutch four-RBI performance helped secure a spot in the 2007 Little League World Series.
At Hamilton High School in Chandler, Bellinger’s talent continued to blossom. He dominated local baseball, earning back-to-back team MVP honors and posting an impressive .429 batting average in his senior campaign. Yet despite catching the Yankees’ attention for a pre-draft workout, his lean 6’4″ frame – carrying just 170 pounds – and single home run that season led many scouts to overlook his potential.
Undeterred by initial skepticism, Bellinger’s professional journey began in the minor leagues. After two seasons of development in Rookie ball, he found his stride with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. There, his breakout 2015 season garnered both mid-season and post-season all-star recognition, culminating in a California League championship – early signs of the championship pedigree that would define his career.
Rise to stardom with the Dodgers
Cody Bellinger’s professional journey came in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft, when the Los Angeles Dodgers made him the 124th player chosen overall. The 2015 season marked Bellinger’s breakthrough at Class A-Advanced Rancho Cucamonga. His power surge turned heads across the California League – by mid-June, he had launched 12 home runs, ranking fifth in the league. What made this achievement more remarkable was his age advantage – he was at least three years younger than his fellow top-five sluggers.
After dazzling the Dodgers’ brass with a .393 batting average across 18 spring training games, Bellinger earned a promotion to Double-A Tulsa for the 2016 campaign. Despite a hip injury temporarily slowing his progression that season, his trajectory remained upward.
The 2017 season opened with Bellinger at Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he wasted no time showcasing his major league readiness. In just 18 games, he posted eye-popping numbers: a .343 average, five home runs, and 15 RBIs. This torrid start, combined with the Dodgers’ outfield struggles, accelerated his path to the big leagues. By April, Los Angeles called up their budding star, setting the stage for his major league debut.
In his rookie season in 2017 at the age of 21, Cody Bellinger hit .267 with 39 home runs, 97 RBIs, and an OPS of .933, finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.
Cody Bellinger made his MLB debut on April 25, 2017, when the Los Angeles Dodgers gave him the start in left field, batting eighth, during a game against the San Francisco Giants. That night, Bellinger made an immediate impact by collecting his first major league hit—a ground ball that traveled towards third base. This marked the beginning of a historic rise for the young player.
During a remarkable June run, Bellinger achieved multiple feats, including a series of multi-home run games that shattered several records. On June 13, he set a new MLB benchmark by becoming the fastest player ever to record four multi-home run games, doing so in just 45 games, surpassing Bob Horner’s previous record of 63 games, set in 1978.
Bellinger’s historic feats didn’t stop there. On July 15, while facing the Miami Marlins, he made history as the first Dodgers rookie to hit for the cycle. He finished the game 4-for-5, with a home run, three RBIs, and two runs. During Game 4 of the 2017 National League Championship Series, he hit a home run off Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs, making him the youngest player to ever hit a home run in a Championship Series game since Miguel Cabrera did so in 2003, at the age of 20. Bellinger’s combination of power, consistency, and historical milestones in his debut season helped establish him as one of baseball’s brightest young stars.
His success didn’t stop there. Cody Bellinger’s sophomore year was even more impressive. 2018 marked Bellinger’s emergence as a cornerstone player, as he displayed remarkable durability by appearing in every regular-season game. His statistical line – a .260 average, 25 homers, and 76 RBIs across 557 at-bats – only told part of the story. His flair for dramatic moments emerged in October, first with a division-clinching blast against Colorado in the tiebreaker, then with the pennant-winning homer in NLCS Game 7 against Milwaukee. These clutch performances earned him NLCS MVP honors.
But 2019’s opening month showcased Bellinger at his most dominant. He rewrote the April record books, setting new marks with 97 total bases, 37 RBIs, and 47 hits before May arrived. His 32 runs and 14 home runs matched existing records, while he topped all of baseball in runs, hits, batting average, and slugging percentage through the season’s first month. This historic start signaled Bellinger’s arrival among baseball’s elite performers.
In 2019, he won the National League MVP after putting up one of the most spectacular offensive seasons in recent memory. The slugger finished the year with a .305 batting average, 47 home runs, and 115 RBIs, firmly establishing himself as one of the top players in the league.
Despite his individual success, the Dodgers’ failure to win the World Series that year left a lingering feeling of unfinished business, a sentiment that would echo throughout Cody Bellinger’s career.
Challenges and struggles
However, Cody Bellinger’s career hit a bump in the road after his MVP season. Injuries, most notably to his shoulder, affected his performance in the following years. He struggled during the 2020 season, managing just a .239 batting average with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs. In addition to the injury issues, his swing mechanics seemed off, contributing to the decline in his production.
While the Los Angeles Dodgers went on to win the 2020 World Series, Cody Bellinger’s own performance was far from the level fans had come to expect. The 2021 season wasn’t much better, and by the offseason, there was considerable doubt about whether Bellinger could ever return to his MVP form. He missed 46 games with a fractured fibula, then eight more with a hamstring, and then more after he had a major rib fracture in September.
The 2023 resurgence and new beginnings
After two challenging years, Cody Bellinger signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs for the 2023 season, hoping to revive his career. The move proved to be a turning point. His performance in 2023 was a testament to his resilience. He returned to form, hitting .307 with 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, and a .899 OPS, displaying both the power and consistency that made him an MVP candidate just a few years earlier.
His defense, particularly in center field, also remained top-notch, earning him praise for his Gold Glove-level abilities. The 2023 season was a true redemption story for Cody Bellinger, as he re-established himself as one of the top players in the league. His performance helped the Cubs remain competitive in the playoff race, and his name was once again among the most coveted in the MLB free-agent market.
Cody Bellinger had an exceptional 2024 season, continuing his resurgence after a strong 2023 campaign with the Chicago Cubs. He went for .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs. His defensive skills in the outfield were also crucial, earning him the recognition as one of the top all-around players in the league.
Though not at his MVP level, his offensive output gave the Cubs consistent power and production throughout the season. The 29-year-old’s defense also remained elite in 2024. As a versatile outfielder and occasional first baseman, he showcased his Gold Glove-caliber ability, contributing significantly with his range and fielding skills.
After several seasons marked by injury and inconsistency, Cody Bellinger’s 2024 performance demonstrated that he could return to MVP-level form and has put him back among the game’s top players.
The Yankees trade: A new chapter for Cody Bellinger
On December 17, 2024, Bellinger was traded to the New York Yankees, marking a major shift in his career. The Yankees acquired him in exchange for right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet, with the Chicago Cubs contributing $5 million to offset part of his salary. The trade represents a fresh start for Cody Bellinger, and it places him on one of the most storied franchises in MLB history. The Yankees have long been in need of a left-handed bat with power, and Cody Bellinger’s ability to provide both offense and defense makes him a perfect fit for the team.
Cody Bellinger, who has already shown that he can thrive in big-market settings, now takes on the challenge of playing in Yankee Stadium, a place known for its favorable hitting conditions. The trade has been seen as a win for the Yankees, who are looking to return to the World Series in 2025 after a disappointing 2023 season.
Bellinger’s role with the Yankees will be multifaceted. He is expected to provide depth and versatility in the outfield while also offering flexibility at first base. With the Yankees’ struggles in recent years regarding offensive consistency, Bellinger’s presence could be the catalyst for a much-needed offensive surge. His combination of power, plate discipline, and defensive prowess is exactly what the Yankees need as they look to compete for a championship.
Bellinger himself has expressed excitement about the opportunity to join the Yankees, stating that he is looking forward to the chance to play at Yankee Stadium and contribute to a team with such a rich history of success. Bellinger’s determination to return to elite form and the added motivation of playing for one of the most iconic franchises in sports will certainly fuel his ambitions for 2025.
Cody Bellinger’s personal life
Beyond his baseball career, Cody Bellinger has made headlines for his personal life as well. He is engaged to Chase Carter, a Bahamian model, and the couple has two children. Their relationship has become a notable part of Bellinger’s public persona, and the family dynamic has earned the admiration of fans. Chase Carter, known for her work with major brands like Victoria’s Secret, brings an added layer of public interest to Bellinger’s already high-profile career.
Awards and honors
- NL Rookie of the Year (2017)
- 2× All-Star (2017, 2019)
- NLCS MVP (2018)
- NL MVP (2019)
- Gold Glove Award (2019)
- World Series champion (2020)
- 2× Silver Slugger Award (2019, 2023)
- NL Comeback Player of the Year (2023)
Bellingers’ 2025
Bellinger responded with one of his most productive seasons in years. Over 152 games in 2025, he hit .272 with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs and 89 runs scored, anchoring the Yankees’ offense throughout a competitive American League East campaign. His .813 OPS reflected a balanced blend of power and on-base skills that kept New York in many tight games.
His 29 home runs tied him for 34th in MLB, while his 98 RBIs ranked tied for 17th among all hitters. Bellinger also contributed 13 stolen bases, showing the speed component that has long been part of his game.
At Yankee Stadium, Bellinger was especially effective. In 80 home games, he batted .302 with 18 home runs, 55 RBIs and 54 runs scored, showing a strong comfort level in the Bronx that proved vital for New York’s offense.
Bellinger’s postseason in 2025 was modest. In Yankees playoff games, he went 6-for-28 (.214) with one home run, four RBIs and four runs scored. His performance provided timely offense, though it was not as consistent as his regular-season output.
He also contributed key runs in the AL Division Series against the Blue Jays, including scoring on an RBI single and later driving in a run with a sacrifice fly as New York tried to stave off elimination.
Career milestones and big moments
Bellinger reached several personal milestones in 2025. On May 4, he hit his 200th career home run with a two-run shot off Rays starter Taj Bradley. Later on June 10, he recorded his 1,000th career hit on an RBI single against Taylor Clarke of the Royals. Both moments highlighted his sustained production since entering MLB as a top prospect.
One of the most memorable games of his Yankees tenure came on July 11, 2025, when Bellinger blasted three home runs and drove in six runs in an 11–0 win over the Chicago Cubs. It was the first three-homer game of his career and marked the 40th such performance in Yankees regular-season history. The blast helped extend a Yankees winning streak and underscored Bellinger’s ability to take over a game offensively.
In early September, Bellinger earned American League Player of the Week honors after going 12-for-27 (.444) with two homers and eight RBIs in a dominant span. It was his first such award since 2022 and reflected his consistent stretch of production for New York.
Contract decision and free agency
After his strong 2025 campaign — which included a 5.0 bWAR and a season that many considered a bounce-back — Bellinger opted out of the final year of his contract, making himself a free agent. He turned down a $25 million salary for 2026, a decision that placed him among the top position players available in the winter market. The Yankees engaged in contract talks, but they stalled over the length and average annual value of a new deal, with Bellinger reportedly seeking a long-term agreement that has drawn interest from other teams as well.
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