A dynamic split-image of Cody Bellinger in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform on one side, celebrating a home run, and on the other side, a thoughtful silhouette of him in a plain jersey, looking out at an empty stadium at dusk.
A dynamic split-image of Cody Bellinger in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform on one side, celebrating a home run, and on the other side, a thoughtful silhouette of him in a plain jersey, looking out at an empty stadium at dusk.

Cody Bellinger: From Rookie Sensation to Free Agent

Cody Bellinger is an American professional baseball outfielder and first baseman who has established himself as one of the most dynamic players in Major League Baseball. Born on July 13, 1995, in Scottsdale, Arizona, Bellinger comes from a baseball family - his father, Clay Bellinger, played four seasons in MLB.

Early Career and Rise to Stardom

Bellinger was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut on April 25, 2017, and immediately made an impact, winning the National League Rookie of the Year award that same season. His breakout performance included 39 home runs and 97 RBIs, setting a new NL rookie home run record.

MVP Season and Dodgers Tenure

The pinnacle of Bellinger's career came in 2019 when he was named the National League Most Valuable Player. During that historic season, he batted .305 with 47 home runs, 115 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases while playing exceptional defense in right field. He helped lead the Dodgers to multiple postseason appearances, including World Series appearances in 2017 and 2018.

Career Challenges and Resurgence

After his MVP season, Bellinger faced significant challenges. Injuries and performance struggles led to a decline in production during the 2020-2022 seasons. His batting average dropped significantly, and he struggled to replicate his earlier success at the plate.

Chicago Cubs Revival

In December 2022, Bellinger signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs, marking a career resurgence. During the 2023 season, he returned to form, posting a .307 batting average with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs while playing excellent defense across multiple positions.

New York Yankees and Recent Developments

Bellinger joined the New York Yankees in December 2024 through a trade with the Chicago Cubs. In the 2025 season, he played 152 games, achieving a .272 batting average with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. Defensively, he demonstrated versatility by starting games across all outfield positions and at first base.

As of November 2025, Bellinger has opted out of his contract with the New York Yankees, declining a $25 million player option for the 2026 season to become a free agent. His original contract with the Cubs, signed before the 2024 season, was a three-year, $80 million deal that included annual opt-out options.

Career Statistics and Accolades

Throughout his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees, Bellinger has compiled impressive statistics:

Playing Style and Skills

Bellinger is known for his unique combination of power, speed, and defensive versatility. Standing at 6'4", he generates exceptional power from his left-handed swing while maintaining the ability to play multiple defensive positions at an elite level. His defensive flexibility allows managers to deploy him in center field, corner outfield spots, and first base.

Free Agency and Future

As Bellinger enters free agency, he is expected to seek a long-term contract that reflects his strong performance and defensive versatility. At 30 years old, he remains one of the most sought-after free agents on the market, with his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively making him valuable to contending teams.

Bellinger's career trajectory - from Rookie of the Year to MVP, through struggles and subsequent resurgence - demonstrates his resilience and adaptability as a professional athlete. His journey continues to be one of the most compelling stories in modern baseball.

The prompt for this was: cody bellinger

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