Cody Bellinger is 31 years old, born on July 13, 1995, in Scottsdale, Arizona. He plays as an outfielder and first baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB). Since bursting onto the professional scene, his journey has spanned high-profile stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Chicago Cubs, and the New York Yankees.
Understanding his trajectory requires tracking both his chronological age and the rapid ascent, physical setbacks, and career revival that defined his path to stardom. This timeline covers his age milestones, core biographical data, and the evolution of his professional career.
Early Life and Amateur Roots
Cody James Bellinger grew up immersed in baseball. His father, Clay Bellinger, played in the MLB for the New York Yankees and Anaheim Angels, winning two World Series rings in the Bronx. Surrounded by the game from infancy, Cody developed elite baseball instincts early.
At age 11, he reached a national audience by helping his youth team from Chandler, Arizona, advance to the 2007 Little League World Series. He later attended Hamilton High School in Chandler, where scouts took notice of his smooth left-handed swing and exceptional defensive range across the outfield and first base.
The Los Angeles Dodgers drafted Bellinger in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft (124th overall selection). Instead of heading straight to college, the 17-year-old signed with the Dodgers and began his grind through the minor league system.
Minor League Development and MLB Call-Up
Transitioning from high school pitching and hitting to professional velocity tested the young prospect. Bellinger spent multiple seasons refining his approach in the Rookie Leagues, Ogden, and Rancho Cucamonga.
- 2013–2014: Adjusted to wooden bats and professional pitching workloads as a teenager.
- 2015: Broke out with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, earning mid-season and post-season all-star nods while capturing a California League title.
- 2016: Faced a minor roadblock due to a hip injury that slowed his promotion pace, though he still showcased advanced defensive instincts at Double-A and Triple-A.
On April 25, 2017, the Dodgers called him up to the majors. At just 21 years old, Bellinger stepped into an everyday role and immediately altered the landscape of the National League.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Peak (2017–2022)
Bellinger's tenure in Los Angeles was a masterclass in extremes—featuring historic rookie accolades, an MVP award, a World Series championship, and a sudden slump caused by injuries.
Rookie Sensation (2017)
At 21, Bellinger didn't just adapt to the big leagues; he rewrote the record books. He hit 39 home runs, setting a National League rookie record at the time, and earned the NL Rookie of the Year Award unanimously. He also played in his first MLB All-Star Game and helped push the Dodgers to the World Series.
MVP and World Series Glory (2018–2020)
- 2018: Earned NLCS MVP honors, delivering clutch hits that sent the Dodgers back to the Fall Classic.
- 2019: Put together his finest individual campaign at age 23. He batted .305 with 47 home runs and 115 RBIs, sweeping the NL MVP Award, a Gold Glove Award, and a Silver Slugger Award.
- 2020: Overcame a shortened pandemic season to capture his first World Series title by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays.
Injuries and Departure (2021–2022)
Physical ailments derailed his momentum. Severe shoulder, rib, and leg injuries altered his mechanics. His production plummeted during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, leading the Dodgers to non-tender the former star in the winter of 2022.
Career Revival with the Cubs and Yankees
Seeking a fresh start, Bellinger signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs for the 2023 season to rebuild his market value.
Working closely with hitting coaches, he rediscovered his compact swing. At age 27, he batted .307 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs, walking away with the NL Comeback Player of the Year Award. After another strong campaign in Chicago, he transitioned to the American League by joining the New York Yankees, wearing the iconic pinstripes just as his father had years prior.
Comprehensive Chronological Timeline
To see how his age aligns with his professional achievements, review this milestone breakdown:
- July 13, 1995: Born in Scottsdale, Arizona.
- August 2007: Reached the Little League World Series at age 11.
- June 2013: Drafted in the fourth round by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of high school.
- April 25, 2017: Made his MLB debut at age 21 and won NL Rookie of the Year.
- November 2019: Crowned NL MVP at age 23 following a 47-homer season.
- October 2020: Won the World Series with Los Angeles.
- November 2023: Named NL Comeback Player of the Year with the Chicago Cubs.
- 2025–Present: Continued his prime years as a cornerstone outfielder for the New York Yankees.
For detailed updates on his active roster status and contract structure, check his profile on MLB.com or review historical data via Baseball Reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Cody Bellinger's birthday?
He celebrates his birthday on July 13. He was born in 1995.
What positions does Cody Bellinger play?
He primarily plays center field, right field, and first base. His defensive versatility allows managers to deploy him across the outfield grass or infield dirt depending on lineup configurations.
Did Cody Bellinger win an MVP award?
Yes. He won the National League Most Valuable Player award in 2019 while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, putting up career-high marks in batting average, home runs, and total offensive WAR.
Which teams has Cody Bellinger played for in MLB?
He has played for three franchises: the Los Angeles Dodgers (2017–2022), the Chicago Cubs (2023–2024), and the New York Yankees (2025–present).
