History of Cody Bellinger in Timeline

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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1913: Dodgers Intentionally Walked

In 1913, this was the first year to start tracking Dodgers intentionally walked.

1956: Chico Fernandez Intentionally Walked

In 1956, Chico Fernández was intentionally walked.

1963: Dick Nen Intentionally Walked

In 1963, Dick Nen was intentionally walked.

1978: Bob Horner's Record

In 1978, Bob Horner set the record of 63 games to record four multi-home run games.

July 13, 1995: Cody James Bellinger Born

On July 13, 1995, Cody James Bellinger was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, to Clay and Jennifer Bellinger.

1999: Father's MLB Career

From 1999, Cody Bellinger's father, Clay Bellinger, played for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball (MLB).

2002: Father's MLB Career Ends

In 2002, Cody Bellinger's father, Clay Bellinger, ended his MLB career, which included playing for the Anaheim Angels.

2003: Miguel Cabrera Homers in NLCS

In 2003, Miguel Cabrera, at age 20, homered in Game 7 of the NLCS.

2004: Adrian Beltre's Consecutive Games

In 2004, Adrian Beltré had consecutive multi-home run games

2007: Little League World Series

In 2007, Cody Bellinger's team, coached by his father Clay Bellinger, reached the Little League World Series, where Cody contributed significantly despite being younger than most of his teammates.

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: Hip Injury Delays Progress

In 2016, a hip injury delayed Cody Bellinger's progress through the Dodgers' farm system.

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: Brother Drafted by Padres

In 2017, Cody Bellinger's brother, Cole, a standout pitcher, was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 15th round of the MLB Draft.

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.

November 2020: Shoulder Surgery

In November 2020, Cody Bellinger underwent surgery on his right shoulder after dislocating it during the NLCS celebrations.

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.

2020: Struggles and Swing Experimentation in 2020 Season

In 2020, Cody Bellinger experienced a slow start and a drop-off in his numbers due to constant experimentation with his swing during the pandemic-shortened season. His slugging percentage fell from .670 in 2019 to .354 in 2020.

November 2021: Birth of First Daughter

In November 2021, Cody Bellinger and his wife, Chase Carter, welcomed their first daughter.

2021: Injury and Return

In 2021, Cody Bellinger suffered a hairline fracture in his left fibula after colliding with a pitcher, returning to the field in May after recovery.

2021: Brother's Retirement

In 2021, Cody Bellinger's brother, Cole, retired from baseball after playing for two seasons in the Padres farm system.

2021: Career-Worst Year

In 2021, injuries to his shoulder, calf, and rib cage caused Cody Bellinger to have a career-worst year in home runs and batting average.

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.

April 2023: Birth of Second Daughter

In April 2023, Cody Bellinger and his wife, Chase Carter, welcomed their second daughter.

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.