Career Timeline of Cody Bellinger: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Cody Bellinger, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Cody Bellinger is a professional baseball outfielder and first baseman currently playing for the New York Yankees in MLB. Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013, he debuted with them in 2017. Before joining the Yankees, he also played for the Chicago Cubs.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2013: Drafted by the Dodgers

In 2013, Cody Bellinger was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth round of the MLB draft.

2015: Joins Rancho Cucamonga Quakes

In 2015, Cody Bellinger joined the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, becoming a mid- and postseason all-star, and helping the team win a California League championship title.

2015: Full Season in Minor Leagues

The 2015 season was Cody Bellinger's first full year in the minor leagues, assigned to the Class A-Advanced Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. He gained attention for his performance, including being fifth in the California League with 12 home runs by June 11. He helped the Quakes win a Cal League championship and was named the California League Championship Series MVP.

2016: Rookie Career Development Program Invitation

During the 2016–17 MLB offseason, Cody Bellinger and Jose De Leon were invited to the MLB/MLBPA Rookie Career Development Program.

2016: Season with Tulsa Drillers and Oklahoma City Dodgers

In 2016, Cody Bellinger opened the season with the Double-A Tulsa Drillers but missed time due to a strained hip. He was later promoted to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers in September. He also played for the Glendale Desert Dogs of the Arizona Fall League, earning All-Fall League team honors.

2016: Hip Injury and Call-Up

In 2016, a hip injury delayed Cody Bellinger's rise through the Dodgers' farm system. However, he was called up to the major leagues in April 2017 to bolster a struggling outfield.

April 2017: Major League Call-Up

In April 2017, Cody Bellinger was called up to the major leagues to bolster a struggling outfield.

April 25, 2017: MLB Debut with the Dodgers

On April 25, 2017, Cody Bellinger was called up by the Dodgers and started in left field. He recorded his first major league hit and was intentionally walked, becoming the third Dodger since 1913 to be intentionally walked in his MLB debut.

2017: Oklahoma City Dodgers Start

Cody Bellinger began the 2017 season with Oklahoma City, batting .343 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in the first 18 games before being called up to Los Angeles.

2017: Postseason and Rookie of the Year

In 2017, Cody Bellinger began his MLB postseason, setting an MLB record with 29 strikeouts in a single postseason run. Despite the Dodgers losing the World Series to the Houston Astros, Bellinger was the unanimous winner of the NL Rookie of the Year Award.

2017: MLB Debut

In 2017, Cody Bellinger debuted in Major League Baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

2017: All-Star Game, Home Run Derby, and Rookie of the Year

In 2017, Cody Bellinger participated in the MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. He was also named the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year after setting several Dodgers single-season home run records.

2018: NL West Title and Postseason

In 2018, Cody Bellinger helped the Dodgers capture the NL West title. He was named the NLCS MVP but struggled in the World Series, which the Dodgers lost to the Boston Red Sox.

2018: MLB Season and Adjustment

In 2018, Cody Bellinger hit the first home run of the season and played in all 162 regular-season games. After being benched, he made a small adjustment to his stance and improved his performance.

2018: NLCS MVP

In 2018, Cody Bellinger was named the MVP of the National League Championship Series following an extra innings walk-off single that helped take the Dodgers to the World Series.

April 2019: Player of the Month honors for April

In April 2019, Cody Bellinger received his first Player of the Month honors after batting .431 in 132 plate appearances and leading MLB in runs, hits, batting average, and slugging percentage.

2019: MVP, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger Awards

Cody Bellinger finished the 2019 season with career highs and received the MVP award, the NL Gold Glove Award, and the NL Silver Slugger Award. He also received two Fielding Bible Awards and was selected to the All-MLB First Team.

2019: Contract Signing

During the 2019-2020 MLB offseason, Cody Bellinger signed an $11.5 million contract with the Dodgers for the 2020 season, breaking Kris Bryant's record.

2019: 100th Career Home Run and Production Slowdown

In 2019, Cody Bellinger hit his 100th career home run off of Eric Lauer and became the first MLB player of the 2019 season and the youngest Dodger to record his 40th home run of the year. His production slowed after the All-Star break, batting .256 in the second half of the season with 13 home runs.

2019: All-Star Game Selection

In 2019, Cody Bellinger received his second All-Star game nod and his first All-Star start, opening the game in the NL outfield. He was considered a frontrunner for the NL MVP Award alongside Christian Yelich. Bellinger led with 72 runs, 73 RBIs, a .334 average, and a .431 on-base percentage, and also led MLB with 6.7 Wins Above Replacement. He was invited to the Home Run Derby but declined.

2019: Awards and All-Star Selection

In 2019, Cody Bellinger received the NL MVP, Silver Slugger, and Gold Glove Awards, and was selected for his second All-Star game.

2020: World Series Title

In 2020, Cody Bellinger won his first World Series title with the Dodgers, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays.

December 14, 2022: Signed with the Chicago Cubs

On December 14, 2022, Cody Bellinger signed a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2024 with the Chicago Cubs.

2022: Lowest On-Base Percentage and Free Agency

In 2022, Cody Bellinger had the lowest on-base percentage of all qualified hitters in the majors, with a .265. After the season, the Dodgers non-tendered him, making him a free agent.