History of Cody Bellinger in Timeline

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 made his MLB debut in 2017 with the Dodgers, later playing for the Chicago Cubs before joining the Yankees. Bellinger is a notable figure in contemporary baseball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1913: Third Dodger since 1913 to be Intentionally Walked in Debut

On April 25, 2017, Cody Bellinger became the third Dodger since 1913 to be intentionally walked in his MLB debut.

1956: Chico Fernández was intentionally walked in his debut

Cody Bellinger became the third Dodger since 1913 after Chico Fernández in 1956 to be intentionally walked in his MLB debut on April 25, 2017.

1963: Dick Nen was intentionally walked in his debut

Cody Bellinger became the third Dodger since 1913 after Dick Nen in 1963 to be intentionally walked in his MLB debut on April 25, 2017.

1978: Fastest to Four Multi-Home Run Games

On June 13, 2017, Cody Bellinger became the fastest player in MLB history to record four multi-home run games in 45 contests, breaking the record previously held by Bob Horner, who did it in 63 games in 1978.

1988: Dodgers' Previous World Series Win

The 2020 World Series win was the Dodgers' first since 1988. This date marks a significant milestone in the team's history, highlighting the length of time since their previous championship.

July 13, 1995: Cody Bellinger's Birth

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

1999: Clay Bellinger Plays for Yankees

From 1999 to 2002, Cody Bellinger's father, Clay Bellinger, played for the New York Yankees, winning two World Series titles.

2002: Clay Bellinger Plays for Angels

From 1999 to 2002, Cody Bellinger's father, Clay Bellinger, also played for the Anaheim Angels.

2003: Youngest Player to Homer in a Championship Series

In 2017, Cody Bellinger became the youngest player to homer in a Championship Series game since Miguel Cabrera in 2003.

2004: Consecutive Multi-Home Run Games

In June of 2017, Cody Bellinger became the first Dodger since Adrian Beltre in 2004 to have consecutive multi-home run games.

2007: Little League World Series Berth

In 2007, Cody Bellinger's team, coached by his father Clay, reached the Little League World Series. Cody contributed significantly, helping clinch a berth with a strong performance in the Little League West Regional.

2013: Drafted by Dodgers

In 2013, Cody Bellinger was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth round of the MLB Draft and chose to sign with them, foregoing his commitment to play college baseball for the Oregon Ducks. He received a signing bonus of $700,000.

2015: Joins Rancho Cucamonga Quakes

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

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 started the season with the Double-A Tulsa Drillers but missed part of it due to a hip injury. He was later promoted to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers in September. He also played for the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League and earned All-Fall League team honors.

2016: Hip Injury and Call-Up

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

April 2017: Called up to major leagues

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

April 25, 2017: MLB Debut with Dodgers

On April 25, 2017, Cody Bellinger was called up by the Dodgers and started in left field against the San Francisco Giants, recording his first major league hit.

2017: MLB Debut

Cody Bellinger debuted in MLB with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017.

2017: All-Star Game and Rookie of the Year

In 2017, Cody Bellinger participated in the MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. He was later named the National League Rookie of the Year.

2017: Postseason Home Run and Strikeout Record

In 2017, Cody Bellinger's first MLB postseason included a solo home run in the NLDS. However, he also set an MLB record with 29 strikeouts in a single postseason run. Despite the Dodgers losing the World Series, he was the unanimous winner of the NL Rookie of the Year Award.

2017: Brother Drafted by San Diego Padres

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

2017: Season Start in Oklahoma City

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

2018: NL West Title and NLCS MVP

In 2018, Cody Bellinger helped the Dodgers capture the NL West title and was named the NLCS MVP after hitting a go-ahead home run in Game 7. However, he struggled in the World Series, where the Dodgers lost to the Boston Red Sox.

2018: First Home Run of the Season

In 2018, Cody Bellinger hit the first home run of the season, spurring the Dodgers to a 9-0 victory. It was also the 40th of Bellinger's career, making him the third-fastest MLB player to reach 40 career home runs in 136 games.

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 advance to 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 with a high number of runs, hits, home runs, and RBIs in 132 plate appearances, leading MLB in several categories.

2019: MLB Awards Trifecta and All-MLB First Team Selection

Cody Bellinger finished the 2019 season with career highs in batting average, home runs, and RBIs. He received the MVP award, the NL Gold Glove Award, and the NL Silver Slugger Award, becoming the first Dodger to win all three in the same season. Bellinger was also selected to the All-MLB First Team.

2019: Signed $11.5 Million Contract

During the 2019-2020 MLB offseason, Bellinger signed an $11.5 million contract with the Dodgers for the 2020 season, which broke Kris Bryant's record for the largest single-season contract for a player in his first year eligible for arbitration.

2019: 100th Career Home Run and 40th of the Season

In 2019, Cody Bellinger hit his 100th career home run in his 401st game, breaking a Dodgers record. He also became the first MLB player of the 2019 season and the youngest Dodger in franchise history to record his 40th home run of the year. He was ejected from a Freeway Series game after arguing balls and strikes.

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. He was also considered a frontrunner for the NL MVP Award, leading in multiple stats. He declined an invitation to the Home Run Derby.

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, Bellinger underwent surgery on his right shoulder due to repeated injuries. The dislocation occurred during the celebration of his NLCS-winning home run that October.

2020: World Series Championship with Dodgers

In 2020, Bellinger and the Dodgers won the World Series, the team's first since 1988. Bellinger hit a go-ahead home run in the NLCS and made a key defensive play in the NLDS. He injured his shoulder during the NLCS but continued to play in the World Series.

2020: Struggles and Swing Adjustments During Pandemic-Shortened Season

In 2020, Bellinger experienced a slow start and a drop in performance, batting .239 with 12 home runs. His struggles were attributed to constant experimentation with his swing, which prevented him from locking into pitches.

2020: World Series Champion

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

November 2021: Birth of First Daughter

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

2021: Return to Dodgers and Injury

In 2021, Bellinger returned to the Dodgers for spring training after recovering from shoulder surgery. He suffered a hairline fracture in his left fibula after a collision on April 6. He returned to play on May 29.

2021: Career-Worst Year

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

2021: Brother's Retirement from Baseball

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

December 14, 2022: Signed with Chicago Cubs

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

2022: Non-tendered and Signed with Cubs

Following another down year in 2022, Cody Bellinger was non-tendered by the Dodgers and signed with the Chicago Cubs after the offseason.

2022: Struggles with Dodgers and Free Agency

In 2022, Bellinger signed a $17 million contract with the Dodgers but had a challenging season with a low on-base percentage and batting average. After the season, the Dodgers non-tendered him, making him a free agent.

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, Bellinger was named the National League Player of the Month after achieving eight home runs, 24 RBIs, and a .400 batting average over that span.

November 3, 2023: 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.