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 an American professional baseball player, currently an outfielder and first baseman for the New York Yankees. Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013, he made his MLB debut with them in 2017. He has also played for the Chicago Cubs. Bellinger's career has established him as a notable figure in professional baseball.
18 hours ago : Yankees eye Kyle Tucker instead of Cody Bellinger amidst free-agent pursuits.
The New York Yankees are considering Kyle Tucker over Cody Bellinger as their primary free-agent target. The Yankees may also lose Cody Bellinger to an NL contender, while also searching for Bellinger's replacement.
2013: Drafted by the Dodgers
In 2013, Cody Bellinger was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth round of the MLB draft.
2014: Batting Stance Change
During the 2014-15 offseason, Cody Bellinger made a change to his batting stance, working with Shawn Wooten and Damon Mashore to incorporate a small hand and wrist movement into his "load phase," enhancing his contact with the ball.
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 the California League championship title.
2015: Full Minor League Season
In 2015, Cody Bellinger played his first full year in the minor leagues with the Class A-Advanced Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, gaining attention for his performance, including home runs, and helping the team win the Cal League championship title, for which he was named MVP.
2016: Rookie Career Development Program
In 2016, Cody Bellinger was invited to the MLB/MLBPA Rookie Career Development Program in Leesburg, Virginia.
2016: Season with Tulsa Drillers
In 2016, after a strong spring training, Cody Bellinger started the season with the Double-A Tulsa Drillers, where he overcame a hip injury and a slow start to bat .263 with 23 home runs, before being promoted to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers and later playing in the Arizona Fall League, earning All-Fall League team honors.
April 2017: Called up to Major Leagues
In April 2017, Cody Bellinger was called up to the major leagues to reinforce a struggling outfield.
April 25, 2017: MLB Debut
On April 25, 2017, Cody Bellinger was called up by the Dodgers, making his MLB debut in left field against the San Francisco Giants, where he recorded his first major league hit and was intentionally walked.
2017: Season with Oklahoma City
In 2017, Cody Bellinger began the season with Oklahoma City, showcasing strong performance before being called up to Los Angeles.
2017: MLB Debut
In 2017, Cody Bellinger debuted in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
2017: All-Star and Rookie of the Year
In 2017, Cody Bellinger participated in the MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby and was named the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year.
2017: Postseason Home Runs and Strikeouts
In 2017, during his first MLB postseason, Cody Bellinger hit a home run in the NLDS and NLCS, but also set an MLB record with 29 strikeouts in a single postseason run, ultimately winning the NL Rookie of the Year Award despite the Dodgers losing the World Series.
2018: Batting Stance Adjustments
During the 2018-19 offseason, Cody Bellinger made adjustments to his batting stance by adopting a more relaxed position at the plate and aiming to hit under breaking balls.
2018: NL West Title and Postseason Performance
In 2018, Cody Bellinger helped the Dodgers capture the NL West title, contributed impactful hits during the NLCS (including a key catch and single), was named NLCS MVP, but struggled in the World Series, which the Dodgers lost to the Boston Red Sox.
2018: Second Season Home Run and Adjustments
In 2018, Cody Bellinger hit the first home run of the season and reached 40 career home runs in 136 games, later making adjustments to his stance after being benched, and ultimately playing in all 162 regular-season games with a .260 batting average.
2018: NLCS MVP
In 2018, Cody Bellinger was named the MVP of the National League Championship Series after hitting an extra innings walk-off single, helping the Dodgers reach the World Series.
April 2019: Player of the Month
In April 2019, Cody Bellinger received his first Player of the Month honors after batting .431 in 132 plate appearances.
2019: Contract and Swing Tweaks
During the 2019–20 MLB offseason, Cody Bellinger signed an $11.5 million contract with the Dodgers for the 2020 season.
2019: 100th Career Home Run and MLB Ejection
In 2019, Cody Bellinger achieved his 100th career home run and also received his first MLB game ejection after arguing with the home plate umpire. Despite breaking records, his production slowed down in the second half of the season.
2019: MLB Awards Trifecta
In 2019, Cody Bellinger finished the season with career highs and received the MVP award, the NL Gold Glove Award, and the NL Silver Slugger Award. He was also selected to the inaugural All-MLB First Team.
2019: All-Star Game Nod and Start
In 2019, Cody Bellinger received his second All-Star game nod and his first All-Star start, opening the game in the NL outfield alongside Christian Yelich and Ronald Acuña Jr. He was also considered a frontrunner for the NL MVP Award during this time.
2019: MVP, Silver Slugger, and Gold Glove
In 2019, Cody Bellinger received the NL MVP, Silver Slugger, and Gold Glove Awards, along with his second All-Star selection.
2020: World Series Championship
In 2020, Cody Bellinger and the Dodgers won the World Series, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in six games. Bellinger scored the go-ahead home run in the NLCS, and signed a one-year, $16.1 million contract with the Dodgers for the 2021 season.
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 among qualified hitters, with a .210 batting average. After the season, the Dodgers non-tendered him, making him a free agent.
2022: Non-tendered by Dodgers
In 2022, after another down year, Cody Bellinger was non-tendered by the Dodgers.
July 2023: National League Player of the Month
In July 2023, Cody Bellinger was named the National League Player of the Month, hitting eight home runs, driving in 24 RBIs, and maintaining a .400 batting average.
November 3, 2023: Declined Option and Became a Free Agent
On November 3, 2023, Cody Bellinger declined his mutual option and became a free agent.
February 27, 2024: Re-Signed with the Cubs
On February 27, 2024, Cody Bellinger re-signed with the Cubs on a three-year, $80 million contract containing opt-out clauses after each of the first two seasons.
December 17, 2024: Traded to the New York Yankees
On December 17, 2024, the Cubs traded Cody Bellinger with $5 million in cash considerations to the New York Yankees in exchange for Cody Poteet.
2024: Traded to the Yankees
In 2024, Cody Bellinger was traded to the Yankees following his second season with the Cubs.
May 4, 2025: 200th Career Home Run
On May 4, 2025, Cody Bellinger hit his 200th career home run off Taj Bradley of the Tampa Bay Rays.
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