Brief Introduction of Cody Bellinger
Cody James Bellinger is an American professional baseball outfielder and first baseman renowned for his dynamic play in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on July 13, 1995, in Scottsdale, Arizona, Bellinger has carved out a significant career highlighted by a National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award in 2019, a World Series championship in 2020 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and a National League Rookie of the Year award in 2017. Known for his blend of power hitting, defensive versatility across the outfield and first base, and clutch postseason performances, Bellinger has been a prominent figure in the sport, currently playing for the New York Yankees as of 2025.
Cody Bellinger Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cody James Bellinger |
| Nickname | Belli |
| Date of Birth | July 13, 1995 |
| Age (as of September 2025) | 30 years old |
| Birthplace | Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Weight | 203 lbs (92 kg) |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Player (Outfielder / First Baseman) |
| Bats / Throws | Left / Left |
| Parents | Clay Bellinger (Father), Jennifer Bellinger (Mother) |
| Siblings | Cole Bellinger (Younger Brother), Ashli Bellinger (Sister) |
| Spouse | Chase Carter (married in December 2023) |
| Children | Caiden Carter Bellinger (Daughter, born November 2021), Cy Carter Bellinger (Daughter, born April 2023) |
| Current Team (2025) | New York Yankees |
| MLB Debut | April 25, 2017, for the Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Net Worth (as of 2025) | Estimated $57 million (Forbes/Spotrac) / Estimated $5 million (Celebrity Net Worth/Sportskeeda) |
Early Life and Education of Cody Bellinger
Cody James Bellinger was born on July 13, 1995, in Scottsdale, Arizona, to Clay and Jennifer Bellinger. Growing up in Chandler, Arizona, baseball was an intrinsic part of his life, largely influenced by his father, Clay Bellinger, who was a former Major League Baseball player for the New York Yankees and Anaheim Angels, winning two World Series titles with the Yankees in 1999 and 2000. This early exposure meant Cody was often around MLB clubhouses, fostering a deep passion for the sport from a young age.
At just 11 years old, Bellinger showcased his budding talent by helping his Chandler, Arizona National Little League team reach the 2007 Little League World Series (LLWS). Although one year younger than most of his teammates, he played a crucial role, including a four-RBI performance that clinched their berth in the series. His team advanced to the semifinals in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, before being eliminated.
Bellinger continued his baseball journey at Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona, where he excelled both academically and athletically. He was a standout player, voted the team’s MVP in both his junior and senior years. In his senior season, despite being a tall yet thin athlete at 6 feet 4 inches, he hit an impressive .429, though he only recorded one home run that year. Beyond his hitting prowess, Bellinger also demonstrated pitching skills, including throwing a four-hit, complete-game shutout in a national tournament.
Initially, Bellinger verbally committed to playing college baseball at the University of Oregon. However, his plans shifted when the Los Angeles Dodgers selected him in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft as the 124th overall pick. A signing bonus of $700,000, approximately $300,000 more than the recommended amount for a fourth-round pick, persuaded him to forgo his college commitment and immediately turn professional.
Cody Bellinger’s Career
Minor League Journey (2013-2017)
Cody Bellinger’s professional career began shortly after high school graduation, with a stint in the Dodgers’ Arizona League affiliate. His initial performance was challenging, batting .210 with one home run and 30 RBIs in 45 games. Despite some plate discipline issues, he displayed potential with 31 walks and 16 extra-base hits. He spent the following year mostly with the Rookie-level Ogden Raptors, hitting .328 with 34 RBIs in 46 games.
The 2015 season marked a significant breakout for Bellinger in his first full year in the minor leagues with the Class A-Advanced Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. His power numbers surged as he posted a .264/.336/.538 batting line with 33 doubles, 30 home runs, and 103 RBIs in 128 games, helping the team win a California League championship title. He continued his ascent, splitting time between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2016, hitting 26 home runs in 117 games. A hip injury in 2016 briefly delayed his progress, but he recovered to earn All-Fall League team honors playing for the Glendale Desert Dogs, batting .314 with three home runs and 17 RBIs in 20 games.
Los Angeles Dodgers (2017-2022)
Bellinger made his highly anticipated MLB debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 25, 2017. He quickly made an impact, setting multiple Dodgers single-season home run records and breaking Wally Berger and Frank Robinson’s record for most National League (NL) home runs by a rookie, finishing with 39. He also recorded 97 RBIs and 87 runs scored in 132 games, earning him the prestigious National League Rookie of the Year award. His impressive rookie season included participation in both the MLB All-Star Game and the Home Run Derby.
In 2018, Bellinger continued to be a key player, appearing in 162 games. He hit 25 home runs and recorded 76 RBIs. He was named the MVP of the 2018 National League Championship Series (NLCS) after hitting an extra-innings walk-off single that propelled the Dodgers to the World Series.
The 2019 season was a career-defining year for Bellinger, as he delivered an MVP-caliber performance. He finished the season with career highs in batting average (.305), home runs (47), and RBIs (115). His 47 home runs were the third-highest single-season total in Dodgers franchise history. He received a trifecta of MLB awards, taking home the NL MVP award, the NL Gold Glove Award for his defensive excellence, and the NL Silver Slugger Award, becoming the first Dodger in club history to achieve all three honors in the same season. He also earned two Fielding Bible Awards for his versatility in right field, center field, and first base, and was selected to the All-MLB First Team. His exceptional first half led to his second All-Star selection, where he started in the NL outfield.
In 2020, Bellinger achieved his first World Series title with the Dodgers, who defeated the Tampa Bay Rays. However, the 2021 season saw a downturn in his performance due to various injuries, including issues with his shoulder, calf, and rib cage, resulting in career-lows in home runs and batting average. The 2022 season also proved challenging, as he posted a .210 batting average with 19 home runs and 68 RBIs, and a .265 on-base percentage, the lowest among qualified hitters in the majors. Following this season, the Dodgers non-tendered him, making him a free agent.
Chicago Cubs (2023-2024)
Seeking a fresh start, Bellinger signed a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2024 with the Chicago Cubs on December 14, 2022. This move led to a remarkable comeback season in 2023, where he was named the National League Comeback Player of the Year. He earned the NL Player of the Month award for July 2023, batting .400 with eight home runs and 24 RBIs over that span. For the season, he hit a career-high .307 average with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs, and an .881 OPS. He also received his second Silver Slugger Award, this time as a utility player, recognizing his offensive contributions while playing significant time at both center field and first base.
On February 27, 2024, Bellinger re-signed with the Cubs on a three-year, $80 million contract, which included opt-out clauses after the first two seasons. He finished the 2024 season with a .266 average, 18 home runs, and 78 RBIs. He exercised his option for the 2025 season with the Cubs.
New York Yankees (2025-Present)
In a surprising offseason trade, Cody Bellinger joined the New York Yankees in 2025. As of late August 2025, Bellinger has been a key versatile defensive piece and a consistent hitter for the Yankees, slashing .279/.332/.501 with 26 home runs and 81 RBIs in 124 games. His strong performance, including multiple multi-homer games and a .323 batting average over a 16-game span in August, led to him being named the American League Player of the Week for the 23rd week of the season (August 25-31), his first AL POTW honor. There is speculation that his strong performance could lead him to opt out of his current contract and test free agency again at the end of the 2025 season.
Cody Bellinger Personal Life & Family
Cody Bellinger comes from a family deeply rooted in baseball. His father, Clay Bellinger, was a former MLB player who won two World Series championships with the New York Yankees. His mother, Jennifer Bellinger, works for Sotheby’s International Realty. Cody has two siblings: a younger brother named Cole Bellinger, who was a talented pitcher at Hamilton High School and played two seasons in the Padres’ farm system, and a sister named Ashli Bellinger.
Cody Bellinger is married to model Chase Carter. They publicly announced their relationship in October 2020. The couple has two daughters: Caiden Carter Bellinger, born in November 2021, and Cy Carter Bellinger, born in April 2023. After getting engaged in June 2023, Cody and Chase appeared to have secretly married in December 2023, as indicated by shared photos featuring what looked like wedding bands. Bellinger has expressed his excitement about being a “girl dad,” stating there’s no love quite like it.
The family also shares a Doberman dog named Junior. Bellinger’s lifestyle reflects a dedication to his sport and family, often sharing glimpses of his life with his daughters and wife on social media. His relationship with Chase Carter is often described as working well because they see eye-to-eye.
Awards and Achievements of Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger has accumulated an impressive list of awards and honors throughout his MLB career, showcasing his talent on both offense and defense.
| Year | Award/Achievement | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | National League Rookie of the Year | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| 2017 | MLB All-Star | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| 2018 | NLCS Most Valuable Player (MVP) | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| 2019 | National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| 2019 | Gold Glove Award | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| 2019 | Silver Slugger Award | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| 2019 | All-MLB First Team | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| 2019 | MLB All-Star | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| 2019 | 2x Fielding Bible Award (Right Field, Multi-positional) | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| 2020 | World Series Champion | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| 2023 | NL Comeback Player of the Year | Chicago Cubs |
| 2023 | Silver Slugger Award (Utility Player) | Chicago Cubs |
| 2023 | NL Player of the Month (July) | Chicago Cubs |
| 2025 | American League Player of the Week (August 25-31) | New York Yankees |
Cody Bellinger Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Cody Bellinger’s net worth is a subject of varying estimates. According to Forbes and Spotrac, his estimated net worth stands at $57 million, reflecting his lucrative MLB contracts, endorsement deals, and off-field business ventures. Conversely, other media outlets like Celebrity Net Worth and Sportskeeda report his net worth around $5 million as of March/December 2025. Regardless of the exact figure, Bellinger has built a strong financial profile, benefiting from his on-field talent and marketability.
Bellinger is currently under a three-year, $80 million contract, which he originally signed with the Chicago Cubs in 2024 before being traded to the Yankees. For the 2025 MLB season, he is set to earn $27.5 million in base salary. This contract includes opt-out clauses after both the 2025 and 2026 seasons, providing him with flexibility to explore free agency if favorable market conditions arise, with buyout clauses of $2.5 million and $5 million, respectively.
Beyond his baseball salary, Bellinger has diversified his income through significant endorsement deals. He has partnered with prominent brands such as Nike, Flonase, Rawlings, Dairy Queen, Old Spice, Postmates, MLB 9 Innings 20, Johnnie Walker, and Fiji. While the exact earnings from these endorsements are not publicly disclosed, they are estimated to contribute substantially to his overall income.
Bellinger has also ventured into investments. In 2022, he invested in Wings and Arrows, an alcoholic beverage brand, and Therabody, a company specializing in physical recovery medical devices. He is also a co-owner of Ashland Hard Seltzer.
Legacy and Influence
Cody Bellinger’s legacy in baseball is characterized by his impressive athleticism and his ability to rebound from significant challenges. His early career with the Dodgers was nothing short of phenomenal, quickly establishing him as one of the game’s brightest young stars with an NL Rookie of the Year and MVP award within his first three seasons. This rapid rise underscored his rare combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess, making him a true five-tool player capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. His defensive versatility, excelling at both first base and all three outfield positions, has been particularly influential, showcasing the value of a multi-positional star in modern baseball.
After facing struggles and injuries, Bellinger’s ability to revitalize his career with the Chicago Cubs and subsequently perform strongly with the New York Yankees has cemented his image as a resilient athlete. His 2023 NL Comeback Player of the Year award serves as a testament to his determination and capacity to adapt and overcome adversity. This narrative of resilience resonates deeply with fans and aspiring players, demonstrating the importance of perseverance in the face of setbacks.
Beyond the field, Bellinger’s public image is generally positive. He is known for being a dedicated family man, sharing a strong bond with his wife, Chase Carter, and their two daughters. This aspect of his life contributes to his relatability and appeal off the diamond. His engagement in endorsement deals with major brands also highlights his marketability and broader influence beyond the sport itself.
His presence in popular culture, such as a character inspired by him appearing in the video game Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, further illustrates his reach and recognition outside of traditional baseball circles. Bellinger’s career, marked by both soaring highs and challenging lows, continues to inspire and captivate baseball enthusiasts and showcases the enduring appeal of a talented and resilient athlete.
Interesting Facts about Cody Bellinger
- Cody Bellinger’s father, Clay Bellinger, played in the MLB and won two World Series with the New York Yankees.
- At age 11, Cody played in the 2007 Little League World Series.
- Despite being a power hitter in MLB, Bellinger only hit one home run in his senior year of high school.
- He was a two-way player in high school, excelling as both a hitter and a pitcher.
- Bellinger verbally committed to play college baseball at the University of Oregon before signing with the Dodgers.
- He became the first Dodger in club history to win the NL MVP, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger awards in the same season (2019).
- A character inspired by Bellinger, named Otta Sluggasson, who wields a tree trunk like a baseball bat, makes a cameo appearance in the video game Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
- In 2019, a female fan ran onto the field during a game to hug him; Bellinger later described the incident as “innocent” and “pretty funny.”
Controversies
While Cody Bellinger’s career has been largely defined by his athletic achievements, he has had a few notable moments that drew public attention, though not necessarily controversies in a scandalous sense.
One instance that garnered discussion was his vocal criticism of the Houston Astros regarding their sign-stealing scandal during their 2017 World Series victory over Bellinger’s Dodgers. Bellinger openly stated his belief that the Astros “stole” the World Series, and questioned the legitimacy of Jose Altuve‘s 2017 MVP award, given the context of the cheating. This stance was shared by many in the baseball community, particularly among players, and fueled a significant rivalry and ongoing debate about the integrity of the game.
Another challenge in Bellinger’s career has been his struggles with injuries and subsequent slumps, particularly during the 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Dodgers. After his MVP season in 2019 and a World Series win in 2020, his significant dip in performance due to shoulder, calf, and rib cage injuries led to intense scrutiny and questions about his long-term trajectory. These periods were challenging for Bellinger, prompting him to revamp his swing and approach, ultimately leading to his impressive comeback.
Social Media Presence
Cody Bellinger maintains an active presence on social media platforms, connecting with fans and sharing updates about his personal life and career. He often posts content related to his baseball journey, family moments with his wife Chase Carter and their daughters, and his various endorsements.
- Instagram: Cody Bellinger is active on Instagram, where he shares personal and professional content, often featuring his family and glimpses into his daily life.
- Twitter (X): He also uses Twitter to engage with fans, share news, and sometimes offer insights on baseball-related topics.
- YouTube: While he doesn’t primarily run a YouTube channel, content featuring Cody Bellinger, including interviews, highlights, and fan interactions, is widely available on various baseball-related channels.
Final Words about Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger’s journey in Major League Baseball has been a captivating narrative of prodigious talent, remarkable achievement, and profound resilience. From his early days as a Little League prodigy and a highly touted prospect, he quickly ascended to become one of the sport’s most electrifying stars, earning an MVP award and a World Series title with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
After navigating a challenging period marked by injuries and a dip in performance, Bellinger demonstrated immense character and dedication, orchestrating a significant comeback with the Chicago Cubs, which earned him the NL Comeback Player of the Year award in 2023. Now, as a key member of the New York Yankees in 2025, he continues to showcase his multifaceted skills, contributing with both his powerful bat and versatile defense. His current strong performance with the Yankees has reignited discussions about his long-term contract future, potentially leading to another significant chapter in his career as he holds opt-out clauses for future seasons.
Beyond the statistics and accolades, Bellinger’s legacy is also intertwined with his role as a family man, building a life with his wife Chase Carter and their two daughters. His journey inspires many, proving that true champions are defined not only by their peak performances but also by their ability to overcome adversity and continuously evolve. As Cody Bellinger continues his professional career, he remains a prominent and marketable star, shaping his enduring influence on the game of baseball.
