50 Facts About Cody Bellinger

Early Life and Background

Cody Bellinger's journey to MLB stardom began in Scottsdale, Arizona. His early years were shaped by a strong baseball influence from his family.

1. Cody James Bellinger was born on July 13, 1995, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
2. His father, Clay Bellinger, played for the New York Yankees and Anaheim Angels, winning three World Series titles.
3. At age 11, Cody helped his team, Chandler, Arizona National Little League, reach the 2007 Little League World Series.
4. He clinched a berth in the series with a four-RBI performance in the Little League West Regional.
5. Cody played high school baseball for Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona.
6. He was voted team MVP as both a junior and a senior, hitting .429 in his senior season.

Path to Professional Baseball

Cody's talent was evident early on, leading to significant decisions that shaped his career.

7. Before being drafted, Cody had committed to play college baseball for the Oregon Ducks.
8. He chose to forego his college commitment to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers for a $700,000 signing bonus.
9. The Dodgers selected Cody in the fourth round (124th overall) of the 2013 MLB Draft.
10. He spent two years in the Rookie Leagues before joining the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in 2015.
11. In 2015, Cody was a mid- and postseason all-star for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
12. He helped the team win a California League championship title.
13. A hip injury in 2016 delayed his rise through the Dodgers' farm system.
14. Despite the injury, he was called up to the major leagues in April 2017 to bolster a struggling outfield.

Major League Debut and Early Success

Cody's entry into the MLB was nothing short of spectacular, setting records and earning accolades.

15. Cody made his major league debut on April 25, 2017, for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
16. In his rookie season, Cody set several Dodgers single-season home run records.
17. He participated in both the 2017 MLB All-Star Game and the Home Run Derby.
18. Cody was named the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year after the 2017 season.
19. In 2018, Cody was named the MVP of the National League Championship Series (NLCS).
20. He hit an extra innings walk-off single that helped the Dodgers reach the 2018 World Series.

Awards and Accolades

Cody's talent and hard work have earned him numerous awards and recognitions.

21. Cody received the NL MVP, Silver Slugger, and Gold Glove Awards in 2019.
22. He earned his second All-Star selection in 2019.
23. Cody won his first World Series title with the Dodgers in 2020.
24. Despite his early success, Cody faced significant injuries in 2021 and 2022.
25. These injuries affected his performance, leading to career-worst years in terms of home runs and batting average.

Transition to the Chicago Cubs

After a challenging period, Cody found a new opportunity with the Chicago Cubs.

26. The Dodgers chose not to tender Cody a contract for 2023, making him a free agent.
27. He eventually signed with the Chicago Cubs.
28. In 2023, Cody had a tremendous rebound season with the Cubs.
29. He hit .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs and 4.1 WAR.
30. Despite his impressive production, Cody's hard-hit rate and barrel rate were lower than many of his peers.

Advanced Metrics and Playing Style

Cody's approach to the game has been analyzed extensively, revealing interesting insights.

31. Cody is known to shorten his swing with two strikes, leading to a noticeable drop in hard-hit rate.
32. This approach has resulted in more contact and a higher wOBA.
33. As of the 2023 regular season, Cody's career statistics include a batting average of .258, 178 home runs, 519 RBIs, and 82 stolen bases.
34. Cody signed with the Dodgers for a signing bonus of $700,000, which was $300,000 more than the recommended amount for a fourth-round draft pick.
35. At the time of his high school graduation, Cody stood 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 170 pounds.

Career Highlights and Challenges

Cody's career has seen both remarkable achievements and significant challenges.

36. In the minor leagues, Cody showed potential by drawing 31 walks and recording 16 extra-base hits in his rookie season.
37. He continued to impress with a .328 batting average in the Pioneer League the following season.
38. In 2015, Cody helped the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes win a California League championship title.
39. The hip injury in 2016 delayed his promotion to the major leagues but made him more resilient.
40. Cody was named the NL Rookie of the Year in 2017 after setting multiple Dodgers single-season home run records.

Recent Performance and Future Prospects

Cody's recent performance with the Cubs has reignited interest in his potential.

41. In 2018, Cody was named the MVP of the NLCS after hitting a walk-off single in extra innings.
42. Cody received the NL MVP, Silver Slugger, and Gold Glove Awards in 2019.
43. He won his first World Series title with the Dodgers in 2020.
44. Despite his early success, Cody faced significant injuries in 2021 and 2022.
45. In 2023, Cody had a remarkable rebound season with the Cubs, hitting .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs and 4.1 WAR.

Advanced Metrics and Contract Expectations

Cody's performance has led to high expectations for his future contracts.

46. Despite his impressive production, Cody's hard-hit rate and barrel rate were lower than many of his peers.
47. His two-strike approach has been both praised and criticized.
48. Cody is expected to receive a contract worth $150 to $200 million over the next five-to-eight years.
49. Advanced metrics suggest that Cody's recent performance may not be sustainable due to his lower hard-hit rate and barrel rate.
50. Cody's ability to adapt and improve has been demonstrated by his rebound season with the Cubs.

Cody Bellinger's Remarkable Journey

Cody Bellinger's path to MLB stardom is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days in the Little League World Series to becoming a key player for the Dodgers and now the Cubs, his career is marked by hard work, resilience, and undeniable talent. Winning the NL Rookie of the Year, NL MVP, and a World Series title are just a few highlights of his impressive resume. Despite facing injuries and setbacks, Cody's ability to bounce back, as seen in his 2023 season with the Cubs, showcases his determination and skill. His future in baseball looks bright, with expectations of a lucrative contract and continued success on the field. Cody Bellinger remains a player to watch, embodying the spirit of perseverance and excellence in the sport.