What Happened to Cody James Bellinger?
Cody Bellinger is an American professional baseball outfielder and first baseman who rose to prominence as the National League Rookie of the Year in 2017 and NL MVP in 2019 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning a World Series in 2020. After a period of struggles and being non-tendered by the Dodgers, he revitalized his career with the Chicago Cubs in 2023, earning Comeback Player of the Year honors. Following a trade to the New York Yankees in late 2024 and a strong 2025 season, Bellinger re-signed with the Yankees on a significant five-year, $162.5 million contract in January 2026, where he currently plays.
Quick Answer
Cody Bellinger is currently an outfielder and first baseman for the New York Yankees. After a successful 2025 season with the Yankees, he re-signed with the team in January 2026 on a five-year, $162.5 million contract. He is preparing for the 2026 MLB season with the Yankees, having opted to forgo the World Baseball Classic to focus on his team.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Drafted by Los Angeles Dodgers
Cody Bellinger was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth round (124th overall) of the MLB draft.
MLB Debut and NL Rookie of the Year
Bellinger made his Major League Baseball debut with the Dodgers and went on to win the National League Rookie of the Year award after hitting 39 home runs.
Wins NL MVP, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger
Bellinger had a career-best season, winning the National League Most Valuable Player award, a Gold Glove Award for his defense, and a Silver Slugger Award for his offensive performance.
World Series Champion with Dodgers
Bellinger helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays.
Non-tendered by Los Angeles Dodgers
After several seasons of declining performance and injuries, the Dodgers non-tendered Bellinger, making him a free agent.
Signs with Chicago Cubs and Wins Comeback Player of the Year
Bellinger signed a one-year, $17.5 million contract with the Chicago Cubs and had a resurgent season, earning the NL Comeback Player of the Year award and a Silver Slugger.
Re-signs with Cubs on 3-year deal
Bellinger re-signed with the Chicago Cubs on a three-year, $80 million contract that included opt-out clauses after the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Traded to New York Yankees
After initially opting into his Cubs contract for 2025, Bellinger was traded to the New York Yankees in exchange for pitcher Cody Poteet and cash considerations.
Declines Yankees' 2026 Player Option
Following a strong 2025 season with the Yankees, Bellinger declined his $25 million player option for the 2026 season, re-entering free agency.
Re-signs with New York Yankees on 5-year, $162.5M contract
Bellinger finalized a five-year, $162.5 million contract to return to the New York Yankees, including opt-outs after the 2027 and 2028 seasons and a full no-trade clause.
Forgoes 2026 World Baseball Classic
Bellinger announced he would not participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, stating his commitment to focusing on the upcoming MLB season with the Yankees.
Preparing for 2026 MLB Season with Yankees
As of today, Cody Bellinger is preparing to headline the New York Yankees' lineup for MLB Opening Night 2026, following his recent long-term contract.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Cody Bellinger's professional baseball career began with high expectations after being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013. He quickly ascended through their system, making his MLB debut in 2017 and immediately making an impact, earning the National League Rookie of the Year award. His peak came in 2019, when he was named the NL MVP, also securing a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award, showcasing his rare blend of power, speed, and defensive prowess. He was a key contributor to the Dodgers' 2020 World Series championship.
However, Bellinger's performance saw a significant decline in the years following his MVP season, largely attributed to injuries, particularly a shoulder issue. His batting average plummeted, and he struggled to regain his form, leading the Dodgers to non-tender him in December 2022, making him a free agent. This marked a major turning point, as many wondered if the former MVP could ever return to his elite level. Bellinger signed a one-year, 'prove-it' deal with the Chicago Cubs for the 2023 season, a move that proved to be a career revitalizer. He had a resurgent year, batting .307 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs, earning the National League Comeback Player of the Year award and a second Silver Slugger.
Following his successful 2023 campaign, Bellinger re-signed with the Cubs in February 2024 on a three-year, $80 million contract that included opt-out clauses after the first two seasons. After a respectable 2024 season where he hit 18 home runs in 130 games, Bellinger initially opted into his contract for the 2025 season with the Cubs. However, in a significant development, he was traded to the New York Yankees in December 2024 in a deal that sent right-hander Cody Poteet and cash considerations to Chicago. Bellinger had a strong first season with the Yankees in 2025, batting .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs in 152 games, solidifying his value in the Bronx.
As of early 2026, Bellinger once again entered free agency after declining his $25 million player option for the 2026 season with the Yankees. After negotiations, he ultimately re-signed with the New York Yankees on January 26, 2026, agreeing to a five-year, $162.5 million contract that includes opt-out clauses after the 2027 and 2028 seasons, as well as a full no-trade clause. He expressed excitement about returning to the Yankees and confirmed he would not participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic to focus on the upcoming MLB season with his team. He is currently preparing for the 2026 MLB Opening Night with the Yankees.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Cody James Bellinger made different choices?