Cody Bellinger: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|American baseball player (born 1995)}} |
{{Short description|American baseball player (born 1995)}} |
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{{good article}} |
{{good article}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date= |
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}} |
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{{Infobox baseball biography |
{{Infobox baseball biography |
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|name = Cody Bellinger |
| name = Cody Bellinger |
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|image = Cody Bellinger 7 24 18 (cropped).jpg |
| image = Cody Bellinger 7 24 18 (cropped).jpg |
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|image_size = |
| image_size = |
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|caption = Bellinger with the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] in 2018 |
| caption = Bellinger with the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] in 2018 |
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|team |
| team = New York Yankees |
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|number = |
| number = 35 |
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|position = [[Outfielder]] / [[First baseman]] |
| position = [[Outfielder]] / [[First baseman]] |
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|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1995|7|13}} |
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1995|7|13}} |
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|birth_place = [[Scottsdale, Arizona]], U.S. |
| birth_place = [[Scottsdale, Arizona]], U.S. |
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|bats = Left |
| bats = Left |
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|throws = Left |
| throws = Left |
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|debutleague = MLB |
| debutleague = MLB |
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|debutdate = April 25 |
| debutdate = April 25 |
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|debutyear = 2017 |
| debutyear = 2017 |
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|debutteam = Los Angeles Dodgers |
| debutteam = Los Angeles Dodgers |
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|statyear = |
| statyear = 2024 season |
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|statleague = MLB |
| statleague = MLB |
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|stat1label = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]] |
| stat1label = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]] |
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|stat1value = . |
| stat1value = .259 |
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|stat2label = [[ |
| stat2label = [[Hit (baseball)|Hits]] |
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|stat2value = |
| stat2value = 942 |
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|stat3label |
| stat3label = [[Home run]]s |
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|stat3value = |
| stat3value = 196 |
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| stat4label = [[Run batted in|Runs batted in]] |
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| stat4value = 597 |
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* 2× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2017]], [[2019 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2019]]) |
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* [[Major League Baseball |
*2× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2017]], [[2019 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2019]]) |
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* [[All-MLB Team|All-MLB First Team]] (2019) |
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*[[All-MLB Team|All-MLB First Team]] (2019) |
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*[[NL Rookie of the Year]] (2017) |
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*[[Gold Glove Award]] (2019) |
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*[[Major League Baseball Comeback Player of the Year Award|NL Comeback Player of the Year]] (2023) |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Cody James Bellinger''' |
'''Cody James Bellinger''' (born July 13, 1995) is an American [[professional baseball]] [[outfielder]] and [[first baseman]] for the [[New York Yankees]] of [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] and [[Chicago Cubs]]. He was selected by the Dodgers in the fourth round of the [[2013 MLB draft]] and debuted with them in 2017. |
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The son of MLB player [[Clay Bellinger]], Bellinger helped his team reach the [[2007 Little League World Series]] at the age of 11. He played high school baseball for [[Hamilton High School (Chandler, Arizona)|Hamilton High School]] in [[Chandler, Arizona]] |
The son of MLB player [[Clay Bellinger]], Bellinger helped his team reach the [[2007 Little League World Series]] at the age of 11. He played high school baseball for [[Hamilton High School (Chandler, Arizona)|Hamilton High School]] in [[Chandler, Arizona]]. Bellinger spent two years in the [[Rookie League]]s before joining the [[Rancho Cucamonga Quakes]] in 2015, where he was a mid- and postseason all-star, and helped the team to a [[California League]] championship title. A hip injury delayed his rise through the Dodgers' [[farm system]] in 2016, but he was called up to the major leagues in April 2017 to bolster a struggling outfield. |
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Bellinger, setting a number of Dodgers single-season [[home run]] records, participated in both the [[2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2017 MLB All-Star Game]] and in the [[Home Run Derby]] |
Bellinger, setting a number of Dodgers single-season [[home run]] records, participated in both the [[2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2017 MLB All-Star Game]] and in the [[Home Run Derby]]. He was named the [[National League (baseball)|National League]] (NL) [[Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year]] after the season. The following year, he was named the MVP of the [[2018 National League Championship Series]] following an [[extra innings]] walk-off single that helped take the Dodgers to the [[2018 World Series]]. He received the NL [[Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award|MVP]], [[Silver Slugger Award|Silver Slugger]], and [[Gold Glove Award]]s in 2019, as well as his second All-Star selection. Bellinger won his first [[World Series]] title with the Dodgers in [[2020 World Series|2020]] over the [[Tampa Bay Rays]]. However, a number of injuries to his shoulder, calf, and rib cage caused 2021 to be a career-worst year for Bellinger in home runs and [[batting average]]. After another down year in 2022, Bellinger was non-tendered by the Dodgers and eventually signed with the Cubs following the offseason. |
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==Early life== |
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Bellinger was born on July 13, 1995, in [[Scottsdale, Arizona]],<ref name="mlb" /> to [[Clay Bellinger|Clay]] and Jennifer Bellinger.<ref>{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Jack |title=How Cody Bellinger's father celebrated his son's home-run robbing catch is so 2020 |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2020-10-08/cody-bellinger-catch-father-texas-padres-mlb-playoffs-padres-nlds |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=October 8, 2020 |access-date=January 9, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref> His mother works for [[Sotheby's International Realty]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Jennifer Bellinger{{snd}}Real Estate Agent |url=https://www.russlyon.com/agent-profile/jennifer-bellinger-104643913 |work=Russ Lyon |publisher=[[Sotheby's International Realty]] |access-date=January 9, 2022}}</ref> while his father played for the [[New York Yankees]] and [[Anaheim Angels]] of [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) from 1999 to 2002, winning |
Cody James Bellinger was born on July 13, 1995, in [[Scottsdale, Arizona]],<ref name="mlb">{{Cite web |title=Cody Bellinger Stats, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/cody-bellinger-641355 |website=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918214709/https://www.mlb.com/player/cody-bellinger-641355 |url-status=live }}</ref> to [[Clay Bellinger|Clay]] and Jennifer Bellinger.<ref>{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Jack |title=How Cody Bellinger's father celebrated his son's home-run robbing catch is so 2020 |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2020-10-08/cody-bellinger-catch-father-texas-padres-mlb-playoffs-padres-nlds |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=October 8, 2020 |access-date=January 9, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref> His mother works for [[Sotheby's International Realty]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Jennifer Bellinger{{snd}}Real Estate Agent |url=https://www.russlyon.com/agent-profile/jennifer-bellinger-104643913 |work=Russ Lyon |publisher=[[Sotheby's International Realty]] |access-date=January 9, 2022}}</ref> while his father played for the [[New York Yankees]] and [[Anaheim Angels]] of [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) from 1999 to 2002, winning two [[World Series]] in that span.<ref>{{cite news |last=Crasnick |first=Jerry |title=Outfielder/firefighter/Home Run Derby pitcher Clay Bellinger is MLB's most sought-after dad |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19910240/qa-clay-bellinger-dad-dodgers-phenom-cody |work=ESPN |date=July 10, 2017 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=January 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115005100/http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19910240/qa-clay-bellinger-dad-dodgers-phenom-cody |url-status=live }}</ref> Clay Bellinger also coached the [[Chandler, Arizona]] National Little League team, for whom his son played when they went to the [[2007 Little League World Series]] (LLWS). Cody was only 11 years old at the time, one year younger than most of his LLWS teammates, but he helped to clinch a berth in the series with a four-[[runs batted in]] (RBI) performance in the Little League West Regional. Chandler advanced to the LLWS in [[Williamsport, Pennsylvania]], but was eliminated in the semifinals by teams from [[Lubbock, Texas]] and [[Warner Robins, Georgia]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Jack |title=Dodgers' Cody Bellinger learned to love baseball at the Little League World Series |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2019-08-23/cody-bellinger-little-league-world-series-2007-clay-dodgers |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=August 24, 2019 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107234039/https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2019-08-23/cody-bellinger-little-league-world-series-2007-clay-dodgers |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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A few years later, Bellinger became a standout baseball player for [[Hamilton High School (Chandler, Arizona)|Hamilton High School]] in Chandler. He was voted team MVP as both a [[Junior (education year)|junior]] and as a [[Senior (education)|senior]], and [[Batting average|hit]] .429 in his senior season.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schaum |first=Paul |title=Former Hamilton High standout makes jump to big leagues |url=https://www.eastvalleytribune.com/columns/sports/former-hamilton-high-standout-makes-jump-to-big-leagues/article_c4bca964-2e9a-11e7-9356-c729e04ef2a2.html |work=[[East Valley Tribune]] |date=May 2, 2017 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920062415/http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/columns/sports/former-hamilton-high-standout-makes-jump-to-big-leagues/article_c4bca964-2e9a-11e7-9356-c729e04ef2a2.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Although [[Scout (sports)|scouts]] from the Yankees invited Bellinger to a pre-draft practice, most baseball teams were uninterested in using a high draft pick on Bellinger, who stood {{convert|6|ft|4|in}} but weighed only {{convert|170|lbs}} in his final year of high school, and who hit only one home run that season.<ref>{{cite news |last=Harper |first=John |title=How Yankees could've had Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger, Dodgers phenom and son of ex-Yankee Clay |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/yankees-judge-dodgers-phenom-cody-bellinger-article-1.3281647 |work=[[New York Daily News]] |date=June 27, 2017 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027161504/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/yankees-judge-dodgers-phenom-cody-bellinger-article-1.3281647 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
A few years later, Bellinger became a standout baseball player for [[Hamilton High School (Chandler, Arizona)|Hamilton High School]] in Chandler. He was voted team MVP as both a [[Junior (education year)|junior]] and as a [[Senior (education)|senior]], and [[Batting average|hit]] .429 in his senior season.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schaum |first=Paul |title=Former Hamilton High standout makes jump to big leagues |url=https://www.eastvalleytribune.com/columns/sports/former-hamilton-high-standout-makes-jump-to-big-leagues/article_c4bca964-2e9a-11e7-9356-c729e04ef2a2.html |work=[[East Valley Tribune]] |date=May 2, 2017 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920062415/http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/columns/sports/former-hamilton-high-standout-makes-jump-to-big-leagues/article_c4bca964-2e9a-11e7-9356-c729e04ef2a2.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Although [[Scout (sports)|scouts]] from the Yankees invited Bellinger to a pre-draft practice, most baseball teams were uninterested in using a high draft pick on Bellinger, who stood {{convert|6|ft|4|in}} but weighed only {{convert|170|lbs}} in his final year of high school, and who hit only one home run that season.<ref>{{cite news |last=Harper |first=John |title=How Yankees could've had Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger, Dodgers phenom and son of ex-Yankee Clay |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/yankees-judge-dodgers-phenom-cody-bellinger-article-1.3281647 |work=[[New York Daily News]] |date=June 27, 2017 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=October 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027161504/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/yankees-judge-dodgers-phenom-cody-bellinger-article-1.3281647 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==Professional career== |
==Professional career== |
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===Minor leagues (2013–17)=== |
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[[File:Bellingercody.jpg|thumb|Bellinger with the [[Tulsa Drillers]] in 2016]] |
[[File:Bellingercody.jpg|thumb|Bellinger with the [[Tulsa Drillers]] in 2016.]] |
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The [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] selected Bellinger in the fourth round, 124th overall, of the [[2013 MLB Draft]]. At the time, he had committed to play [[college baseball]] for the [[Oregon Ducks baseball|Oregon Ducks]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Ashley |title=That one time Cody Bellinger committed and almost played for the Oregon Ducks |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/northwest/oregon-ducks/one-time-dodgers-cody-bellinger-committed-and-almost-played-oregon-ducks |access-date=August 19, 2021 |work=[[NBC Sports Northwest]] |date=October 19, 2020 |archive-date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819142126/https://www.nbcsports.com/northwest/oregon-ducks/one-time-dodgers-cody-bellinger-committed-and-almost-played-oregon-ducks |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger chose to forego his commitment to Oregon |
The [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] selected Bellinger in the fourth round, 124th overall, of the [[2013 MLB Draft]]. At the time, he had committed to play [[college baseball]] for the [[Oregon Ducks baseball|Oregon Ducks]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Ashley |title=That one time Cody Bellinger committed and almost played for the Oregon Ducks |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/northwest/oregon-ducks/one-time-dodgers-cody-bellinger-committed-and-almost-played-oregon-ducks |access-date=August 19, 2021 |work=[[NBC Sports Northwest]] |date=October 19, 2020 |archive-date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819142126/https://www.nbcsports.com/northwest/oregon-ducks/one-time-dodgers-cody-bellinger-committed-and-almost-played-oregon-ducks |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger chose to forego his commitment to Oregon to sign with the Dodgers for a [[signing bonus]] of $700,000, approximately $300,000 more than what was recommended for a fourth-round draft pick.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fentress |first1=Aaron |title=Oregon Ducks baseball: Talent lost and retained during MLB signing process |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2013/07/oregon_ducks_baseball_talent_l.html |access-date=August 20, 2021 |work=[[The Oregonian]] |date=July 12, 2013 |archive-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820130842/https://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/2013/07/oregon_ducks_baseball_talent_l.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=McCullough |first1=Andy |title=Cody Bellinger, Dodgers' latest can't-miss kid, has been right on the mark |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/la-sp-dodgers-bellinger-20170513-story.html |access-date=August 20, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=May 13, 2017 |archive-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820130843/https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/la-sp-dodgers-bellinger-20170513-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He spent the season with the [[Rookie League]] [[AZL Dodgers]], batting .210 in 162 at-bats, with one home run, 30 RBIs, and 25 runs scored.<ref name="minors">{{cite web |title=Cody Bellinger Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=bellin000cod |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |access-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111191453/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=bellin000cod |url-status=live }}</ref> He showed some difficulties with plate discipline, striking out 46 times in 47 games, but showed potential by drawing 31 walks and recording 16 extra-base hits.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Massey |first1=Jared |title=2013 Dodgers Minor League Review: Rookies |url=http://www.scout.com/mlb/dodgers/story/1328421-2013-dodgers-minor-league-review-rookies |access-date=August 20, 2021 |work=Dodgers Nation |publisher=[[Scout.com]] |date=September 20, 2013 |archive-date=May 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519110913/http://www.scout.com/mlb/dodgers/story/1328421-2013-dodgers-minor-league-review-rookies |url-status=live }}</ref> He continued in Rookie ball the following season with the [[Ogden Raptors]], batting .328 with 34 RBIs in 46 [[Pioneer League (baseball)|Pioneer League]] games.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hein |first=Brett |title=Dodgers rookie Cody Bellinger already a fixture in Major League Baseball |url=https://www.standard.net/sports/2017/jun/20/dodgers-rookie-cody-bellinger-already-a-fixture-in-major-league-baseball/ |work=[[Standard-Examiner]] |date=June 20, 2017 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001191656/https://www.standard.net/sports/2017/jun/20/dodgers-rookie-cody-bellinger-already-a-fixture-in-major-league-baseball/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Assigned to the [[Class A-Advanced]] [[Rancho Cucamonga Quakes]], the 2015 season was Bellinger's first full year in the [[Minor League Baseball|minor leagues]].<ref>{{cite news |title=California League: Getting to know the Quakes' Cody Bellinger |url=https://www.dailybulletin.com/2015/07/20/california-league-getting-to-know-the-quakes-cody-bellinger/ |work=[[Inland Valley Daily Bulletin]] |date=July 20, 2015 |access-date=September 30, 2021}}</ref> His prospect performance started to gain attention when, by June 11, he was fifth in the [[California League]] with 12 home runs, and was at least three years younger than every other top-five hitter. Although his .557 [[slugging percentage]] was comparatively low, this was due in part to the shape of the [[Rancho Cucamonga Epicenter]], which limited home runs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Seiner |first=Jake |title=Stock Watch: Quakes' Bellinger powering up |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-129884584 |work=MiLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=June 11, 2015 |access-date=September 30, 2021}}</ref> After making an appearance at the midseason California League All-Star Game,<ref name="cal midseason">{{cite news |last=Dykstra |first=Sam |title=Phillips, Reed headline Cal League All-Stars |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-130014974 |work=MiLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=June 11, 2015 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001191719/https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-130014974 |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger was also the selected [[designated hitter]] for the California League postseason All-Star team.<ref name="cal postseason">{{cite news |title=Cal League reveals postseason All-Stars |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-144508910 |work=MiLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=August 21, 2015 |access-date=September 30, 2021}}</ref> Following the regular minor league season, he helped the Quakes to a Cal League championship title, registering three extra-base hits, including the game-winning home run, to complete their sweep of the [[San Jose Giants]].<ref name="cal champ">{{cite news |title=Rancho Cucamonga Quakes win California League Championship |url=https://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/sports/rancho-cucamonga-quakes-win-california-league-championship/article_24b48654-6082-11e5-a863-4325b2f14178.html |work=[[Fontana Herald News]] |date=September 21, 2015 |access-date=September 30, 2021}}</ref> For his performance, Bellinger was named the California League Championship Series [[Most Valuable Player|MVP]].<ref name="cal mvp">{{cite news |last1=Lindskog |first1=Mike |title=Quakes are Cal League Champions |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-150624290 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |work=MiLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=September 20, 2015}}</ref> He batted .264 for the Quakes, recording 30 home runs, 103 RBIs, and 97 runs in 478 at bats.<ref name="minors" /> |
Assigned to the [[Class A-Advanced]] [[Rancho Cucamonga Quakes]], the 2015 season was Bellinger's first full year in the [[Minor League Baseball|minor leagues]].<ref>{{cite news |title=California League: Getting to know the Quakes' Cody Bellinger |url=https://www.dailybulletin.com/2015/07/20/california-league-getting-to-know-the-quakes-cody-bellinger/ |work=[[Inland Valley Daily Bulletin]] |date=July 20, 2015 |access-date=September 30, 2021}}</ref> His prospect performance started to gain attention when, by June 11, he was fifth in the [[California League]] with 12 home runs, and was at least three years younger than every other top-five hitter. Although his .557 [[slugging percentage]] was comparatively low, this was due in part to the shape of the [[Rancho Cucamonga Epicenter]], which limited home runs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Seiner |first=Jake |title=Stock Watch: Quakes' Bellinger powering up |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-129884584 |work=MiLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=June 11, 2015 |access-date=September 30, 2021}}</ref> After making an appearance at the midseason California League All-Star Game,<ref name="cal midseason">{{cite news |last=Dykstra |first=Sam |title=Phillips, Reed headline Cal League All-Stars |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-130014974 |work=MiLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=June 11, 2015 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001191719/https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-130014974 |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger was also the selected [[designated hitter]] for the California League postseason All-Star team.<ref name="cal postseason">{{cite news |title=Cal League reveals postseason All-Stars |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-144508910 |work=MiLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=August 21, 2015 |access-date=September 30, 2021}}</ref> Following the regular minor league season, he helped the Quakes to a Cal League championship title, registering three extra-base hits, including the game-winning home run, to complete their sweep of the [[San Jose Giants]].<ref name="cal champ">{{cite news |title=Rancho Cucamonga Quakes win California League Championship |url=https://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/sports/rancho-cucamonga-quakes-win-california-league-championship/article_24b48654-6082-11e5-a863-4325b2f14178.html |work=[[Fontana Herald News]] |date=September 21, 2015 |access-date=September 30, 2021}}</ref> For his performance, Bellinger was named the California League Championship Series [[Most Valuable Player|MVP]].<ref name="cal mvp">{{cite news |last1=Lindskog |first1=Mike |title=Quakes are Cal League Champions |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-150624290 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |work=MiLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=September 20, 2015}}</ref> He batted .264 for the Quakes, recording 30 home runs, 103 RBIs, and 97 runs in 478 at bats.<ref name="minors" /> |
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During the 2016–17 MLB offseason, Bellinger and fellow Dodgers prospect [[Jose De Leon]] received an invitation to the MLB/MLBPA Rookie Career Development Program in [[Leesburg, Virginia]], where top prospects from each club spend four days learning about life in the major leagues.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gurnick |first1=Ken |title=Great power earns Bellinger top prospect status |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-earns-top-prospect-status-c213623458 |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=January 16, 2017 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821164223/https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-earns-top-prospect-status-c213623458 |url-status=live }}</ref> He began the 2017 season with Oklahoma City, batting .343 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in the first 18 games of the year before receiving a call-up to Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=Barry |title=Pro baseball: Dodgers call up former Drillers prospect Cody Bellinger |url=https://tulsaworld.com/sports/pro-baseball-dodgers-call-up-former-drillers-prospect-cody-bellinger/article_04e74229-5e0f-5bca-a9e9-76e06c7ba226.html |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=Tulsa World |date=April 25, 2017 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821164224/https://tulsaworld.com/sports/pro-baseball-dodgers-call-up-former-drillers-prospect-cody-bellinger/article_04e74229-5e0f-5bca-a9e9-76e06c7ba226.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
During the 2016–17 MLB offseason, Bellinger and fellow Dodgers prospect [[Jose De Leon]] received an invitation to the MLB/MLBPA Rookie Career Development Program in [[Leesburg, Virginia]], where top prospects from each club spend four days learning about life in the major leagues.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gurnick |first1=Ken |title=Great power earns Bellinger top prospect status |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-earns-top-prospect-status-c213623458 |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=January 16, 2017 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821164223/https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-earns-top-prospect-status-c213623458 |url-status=live }}</ref> He began the 2017 season with Oklahoma City, batting .343 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in the first 18 games of the year before receiving a call-up to Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=Barry |title=Pro baseball: Dodgers call up former Drillers prospect Cody Bellinger |url=https://tulsaworld.com/sports/pro-baseball-dodgers-call-up-former-drillers-prospect-cody-bellinger/article_04e74229-5e0f-5bca-a9e9-76e06c7ba226.html |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=Tulsa World |date=April 25, 2017 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821164224/https://tulsaworld.com/sports/pro-baseball-dodgers-call-up-former-drillers-prospect-cody-bellinger/article_04e74229-5e0f-5bca-a9e9-76e06c7ba226.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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===Los Angeles Dodgers=== |
===Los Angeles Dodgers (2017–22)=== |
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==== |
====2017: NL Rookie of the Year==== |
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⚫ | Faced with a struggling and injured outfield, the Dodgers called Bellinger up on April 25, 2017, giving him the start in left field and eighth position in the [[Batting order (baseball)|batting order]] for that night's game against the [[San Francisco Giants]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Padilla |first1=Doug |title=Dodgers call up Cody Bellinger after Joc Pederson goes down |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19242390/los-angeles-dodgers-call-top-prospect-cody-bellinger |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=ESPN.com |date=April 25, 2017 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821194521/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19242390/los-angeles-dodgers-call-top-prospect-cody-bellinger |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger scored his first major league hit that night, an infield ground ball towards third base. He was also the third Dodger since 1913 to be [[Intentional base on balls|intentionally walked]] in his MLB debut, following [[Chico Fernández]] in 1956 and [[Dick Nen]] in 1963.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stephen |first1=Eric |title=Clayton Kershaw gives Dodgers a leg up |url=https://www.truebluela.com/2017/4/25/15429988/clayton-kershaw-stopper-dodgers-one-run-win-giants-recap |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=True Blue LA |publisher=SB Nation |date=April 25, 2017 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821194522/https://www.truebluela.com/2017/4/25/15429988/clayton-kershaw-stopper-dodgers-one-run-win-giants-recap |url-status=live }}</ref> Four days later, Bellinger hit the first and second home runs of his major league career in a game against the [[Philadelphia Phillies]], first in the seventh inning against [[Zach Eflin]] and again as the second of three consecutive home runs against [[Closer (baseball)|closer]] [[Héctor Neris]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Dilbeck |first=Steve |title=Bellinger makes most of first big league HRs |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-cody-bellinger-hits-first-career-hr-c227371094 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=April 29, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=February 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209151908/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-cody-bellinger-hits-first-career-hr-c227371094 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Dilbeck |first=Steve |title=Dodgers revel in comeback for the ages |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-revel-in-wild-comeback-walk-off-win-c227381580 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=April 30, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=October 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010155540/https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-revel-in-wild-comeback-walk-off-win-c227381580 |url-status=live }}</ref> His first career [[Grand slam (baseball)|grand slam]] came the following week on May 6, helping take the Dodgers to a 10–2 victory over the [[San Diego Padres]] and Bellinger to five home runs and 14 RBIs in his first 11 major league games.<ref>{{cite news |last=Plunkett |first=Bill |title=Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw dominant and Cody Bellinger goes deep in win over Padres |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2017/05/06/clayton-kershaw-dominant-and-cody-bellinger-goes-deep-in-win-over-padres/ |work=Orange County Register |date=May 6, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=July 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727021122/https://www.ocregister.com/2017/05/06/clayton-kershaw-dominant-and-cody-bellinger-goes-deep-in-win-over-padres/ |url-status=live }}</ref> With a total of nine home runs in |
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⚫ | Faced with a struggling and injured outfield, the Dodgers called Bellinger up on April 25, 2017, giving him the start in left field and eighth position in the [[Batting order (baseball)|batting order]] for that night's game against the [[San Francisco Giants]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Padilla |first1=Doug |title=Dodgers call up Cody Bellinger after Joc Pederson goes down |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19242390/los-angeles-dodgers-call-top-prospect-cody-bellinger |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=ESPN.com |date=April 25, 2017 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821194521/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19242390/los-angeles-dodgers-call-top-prospect-cody-bellinger |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger scored his first major league hit that night, an infield ground ball towards third base. He was also the third Dodger since 1913 to be [[Intentional base on balls|intentionally walked]] in his MLB debut, following [[Chico Fernández]] in 1956 and [[Dick Nen]] in 1963.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stephen |first1=Eric |title=Clayton Kershaw gives Dodgers a leg up |url=https://www.truebluela.com/2017/4/25/15429988/clayton-kershaw-stopper-dodgers-one-run-win-giants-recap |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=True Blue LA |publisher=SB Nation |date=April 25, 2017 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821194522/https://www.truebluela.com/2017/4/25/15429988/clayton-kershaw-stopper-dodgers-one-run-win-giants-recap |url-status=live }}</ref> Four days later, Bellinger hit the first and second home runs of his major league career in a game against the [[Philadelphia Phillies]], first in the seventh inning against [[Zach Eflin]] and again as the second of three consecutive home runs against [[Closer (baseball)|closer]] [[Héctor Neris]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Dilbeck |first=Steve |title=Bellinger makes most of first big league HRs |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-cody-bellinger-hits-first-career-hr-c227371094 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=April 29, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=February 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209151908/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-cody-bellinger-hits-first-career-hr-c227371094 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Dilbeck |first=Steve |title=Dodgers revel in comeback for the ages |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-revel-in-wild-comeback-walk-off-win-c227381580 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=April 30, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=October 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010155540/https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-revel-in-wild-comeback-walk-off-win-c227381580 |url-status=live }}</ref> His first career [[Grand slam (baseball)|grand slam]] came the following week on May 6, helping take the Dodgers to a 10–2 victory over the [[San Diego Padres]] and Bellinger to five home runs and 14 RBIs in his first 11 major league games.<ref>{{cite news |last=Plunkett |first=Bill |title=Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw dominant and Cody Bellinger goes deep in win over Padres |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2017/05/06/clayton-kershaw-dominant-and-cody-bellinger-goes-deep-in-win-over-padres/ |work=Orange County Register |date=May 6, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=July 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727021122/https://www.ocregister.com/2017/05/06/clayton-kershaw-dominant-and-cody-bellinger-goes-deep-in-win-over-padres/ |url-status=live }}</ref> With a total of nine home runs in May, Bellinger tied [[Joc Pederson]] and [[James Loney]] for the most home runs by a Dodgers rookie in one month of the season, and his total of 11 home runs in 32 games made him the fastest Dodgers rookie in history to reach that mark.<ref>{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Joe |title=Another day, another HR for red-hot Bellinger |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-cody-bellinger-keeps-homers-coming-c233124678 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=May 29, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024053402/https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-cody-bellinger-keeps-homers-coming-c233124678 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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[[File:Dodgers_bellinger_2017-mena.jpg|thumb|left|Bellinger with the Dodgers in 2017]] |
[[File:Dodgers_bellinger_2017-mena.jpg|thumb|left|Bellinger with the Dodgers in 2017]] |
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A series of multi-home run games in |
A series of multi-home run games in June helped Bellinger set several team and MLB records. On June 13, Bellinger became the fastest player in MLB history to record four multi-home run games, doing so in 45 contests; the previous record was set by [[Bob Horner]] with 63 games in 1978. He was also the first Dodger to have consecutive multi-home run games since [[Adrián Beltré]] in 2004, and was the third Dodgers rookie to record at least four multi-home run games in one season.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bastian |first=Jordan |title=Bellinger's multi-homer output makes history |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-has-4th-multi-hr-sets-record-c236228618 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=June 14, 2017 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808003106/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-has-4th-multi-hr-sets-record-c236228618 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the first inning of an outing against the [[New York Mets]] on June 19, his 51st career MLB game, Bellinger tied [[Gary Sánchez]] and [[Wally Berger]] as the fastest players to reach 20 home runs. In the next inning, he recorded an additional solo shot against [[Zack Wheeler]] to become the fastest player to 21 home runs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Baer |first=Bill |title=Cody Bellinger sets major league record with 21 home runs through first 51 games |url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2017/06/19/cody-bellinger-sets-major-league-record-with-21-home-runs-through-first-51-games/ |work=[[NBC Sports]] |date=June 19, 2017 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=April 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430052324/https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2017/06/19/cody-bellinger-sets-major-league-record-with-21-home-runs-through-first-51-games/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The following day, a first-inning hit off of [[Robert Gsellman]] helped Bellinger to become the first rookie in MLB history to record 10 home runs in a span of 10 games.<ref>{{cite news |last=Baccellieri |first=Emma |title=Cody Bellinger Is The First Rookie Ever To Hit 10 Home Runs In 10 Games |url=https://deadspin.com/cody-bellinger-is-the-first-rookie-ever-to-hit-10-home-1796284544 |work=[[Deadspin]] |date=June 20, 2017 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130040342/https://deadspin.com/cody-bellinger-is-the-first-rookie-ever-to-hit-10-home-1796284544 |url-status=live }}</ref> With his sixth two-home run game of the season on June 25, Bellinger passed [[Mike Piazza]]'s team rookie record for most multi-home run games in one season, and led the NL with 24 total home runs.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Jaffe |first=Jay |title=Perfect ten: Sensational rookie Cody Bellinger and steady pitching help Dodgers get rolling |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2017/06/26/los-angeles-dodgers-win-streak-cody-bellinger |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |date=June 26, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=March 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306162648/https://www.si.com/mlb/2017/06/26/los-angeles-dodgers-win-streak-cody-bellinger |url-status=live }}</ref> He capped off the first half of the season with his first appearances in both the [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game]] and in the [[Home Run Derby]].<ref name="asg 2017">{{cite magazine |last=Chavez |first=Chris |title=Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, Cody Bellinger headline MLB All-Star Game rosters |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2017/07/02/2017-mlb-all-star-game-rosters-announced |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=July 2, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=February 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205163025/https://www.si.com/mlb/2017/07/02/2017-mlb-all-star-game-rosters-announced |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="derby">{{cite news |last=DiGiovanna |first=Mike |title=Dodgers' Cody Bellinger latest slugger to bring his father to Home Run Derby |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/la-live-updates-all-star-home-run-derby-dodgers-cody-bellinger-latest-slugger-1499722807-htmlstory.html |work=[[Orlando Sentinel]] |date=July 10, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021}}</ref> At the latter, Bellinger hit 27 home runs across two rounds, defeating [[Charlie Blackmon]] before falling to [[Aaron Judge]] of the Yankees in the semifinals.<ref>{{cite news |last=DiComo |first=Anthony |title=Bellinger thrilled with HR Derby experience |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-out-in-home-run-derby-round-2-c241601698 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=July 9, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=September 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914200902/https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-out-in-home-run-derby-round-2-c241601698 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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While facing the [[Miami Marlins]] on July 15, Bellinger became the first Dodgers rookie in history to [[hit for the cycle]], going 4-for-5 with a home run, three RBIs, and two runs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sattell |first=Glenn |title=Cycle built for blue! Dodger rookie's feat historic |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-hits-for-the-cycle-vs-marlins-c242333532 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=July 15, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126020215/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-hits-for-the-cycle-vs-marlins-c242333532 |url-status=live }}</ref> With his 35th home run of the year on September 2, Bellinger tied Mike Piazza's Dodgers rookie record;<ref>{{cite news |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |title=Bellinger's 35th ties Dodgers' rookie HR record |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-cody-bellinger-hits-35th-home-run-c252034090 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=September 2, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=February 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209152741/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-cody-bellinger-hits-35th-home-run-c252034090 |url-status=live }}</ref> he broke Piazza's record the following day with a ninth-inning shot off of Padres closer [[Brad Hand]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |title=SD beats LA; Bellinger sets Dodgers record |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-sets-dodgers-rookie-hr-record-c252282326 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=September 3, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=February 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209152050/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-sets-dodgers-rookie-hr-record-c252282326 |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 22, Bellinger's 39th career home run both helped the Dodgers clinch the [[NL West]] title over the San Francisco Giants and broke Wally Berger and [[Frank Robinson]]'s record for the most [[National League (baseball)|National League]] (NL) home runs made by a rookie.<ref>{{cite news |last=Baggarly |first=Andrew |title=Dodgers beat Giants behind Bellinger's blast, clinch fifth consecutive NL West title |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/22/dodgers-beat-giants-behind-bellingers-blast-clinch-fifth-consecutive-nl-west-title/ |work=[[The Mercury News]] |date=September 22, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=July 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713040144/https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/22/dodgers-beat-giants-behind-bellingers-blast-clinch-fifth-consecutive-nl-west-title/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger finished his rookie MLB season hitting .267 with 39 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 87 [[runs scored]] in 480 [[at bat]]s and 132 games.<ref name="majors" /> |
While facing the [[Miami Marlins]] on July 15, Bellinger became the first Dodgers rookie in history to [[hit for the cycle]], going 4-for-5 with a home run, three RBIs, and two runs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sattell |first=Glenn |title=Cycle built for blue! Dodger rookie's feat historic |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-hits-for-the-cycle-vs-marlins-c242333532 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=July 15, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126020215/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-hits-for-the-cycle-vs-marlins-c242333532 |url-status=live }}</ref> With his 35th home run of the year on September 2, Bellinger tied Mike Piazza's Dodgers rookie record;<ref>{{cite news |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |title=Bellinger's 35th ties Dodgers' rookie HR record |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-cody-bellinger-hits-35th-home-run-c252034090 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=September 2, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=February 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209152741/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-cody-bellinger-hits-35th-home-run-c252034090 |url-status=live }}</ref> he broke Piazza's record the following day with a ninth-inning shot off of Padres closer [[Brad Hand]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |title=SD beats LA; Bellinger sets Dodgers record |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-sets-dodgers-rookie-hr-record-c252282326 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=September 3, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=February 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209152050/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-sets-dodgers-rookie-hr-record-c252282326 |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 22, Bellinger's 39th career home run both helped the Dodgers clinch the [[NL West]] title over the San Francisco Giants and broke Wally Berger and [[Frank Robinson]]'s record for the most [[National League (baseball)|National League]] (NL) home runs made by a rookie.<ref>{{cite news |last=Baggarly |first=Andrew |title=Dodgers beat Giants behind Bellinger's blast, clinch fifth consecutive NL West title |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/22/dodgers-beat-giants-behind-bellingers-blast-clinch-fifth-consecutive-nl-west-title/ |work=[[The Mercury News]] |date=September 22, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=July 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713040144/https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/22/dodgers-beat-giants-behind-bellingers-blast-clinch-fifth-consecutive-nl-west-title/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger finished his rookie MLB season hitting .267 with 39 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 87 [[runs scored]] in 480 [[at bat]]s and 132 games.<ref name="majors" /> |
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Bellinger's first MLB postseason began with the [[2017 National League Division Series]] (NLDS) against the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]], where his fifth-inning solo home run in Game 3 made him the youngest Dodger to hit a postseason home run in franchise history.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cassavell |first=AJ |title=Bellinger dazzles with bat, glove in hometown |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/bellinger-homers-makes-dugout-catch-in-nlds-c258096764 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 9, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=March 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314183333/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/bellinger-homers-makes-dugout-catch-in-nlds-c258096764 |url-status=live }}</ref> His next postseason home run came against [[Jake Arrieta]] of the [[Chicago Cubs]] in Game 4 of the [[2017 National League Championship Series]] (NLCS); in doing so, he became the youngest player to homer in a Championship Series game since the 20-year-old [[Miguel Cabrera]] did so in Game 7 of the [[2003 National League Championship Series|2003 NLCS]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Garro |first=Adrian |title=Cody Bellinger is the youngest hitter to homer in an LCS since Miguel Cabrera in 2003 |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/cody-bellinger-is-the-youngest-player-to-homer-in-the-lcs-since-miguel-cabrera-i |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 18, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001191659/https://www.mlb.com/cut4/cody-bellinger-is-the-youngest-player-to-homer-in-the-lcs-since-miguel-cabrera-i |url-status=live }}</ref> Outside of home runs, however, Bellinger did not generate many hits: with three [[strikeout]]s in Game 7 of the [[2017 World Series]], Bellinger set the MLB record with 29 strikeouts in a single postseason run.<ref>{{cite news |title=World Series 2017: Dodgers' Cody Bellinger breaks Aaron Judge's infamous record |url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/world-series-2017-dodgers-cody-bellinger-breaks-aaron-judges-infamous-record-37710938.html |work=[[Yahoo! Sports]] |date=November 1, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021}}</ref> Despite the Dodgers falling to the [[Houston Astros]] in the World Series, Bellinger was the unanimous winner of the NL [[Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year Award]].<ref name="roy">{{cite news |last=Cassavell |first=AJ |title=Bellinger voted unanimous pick for NL ROY |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-named-bbwaa-nl-rookie-of-year-c261750012 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=November 13, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001191718/https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-named-bbwaa-nl-rookie-of-year-c261750012 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Bellinger's first MLB postseason began with the [[2017 National League Division Series]] (NLDS) against the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]], where his fifth-inning solo home run in Game 3 made him the youngest Dodger to hit a postseason home run in franchise history.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cassavell |first=AJ |title=Bellinger dazzles with bat, glove in hometown |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/bellinger-homers-makes-dugout-catch-in-nlds-c258096764 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 9, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=March 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314183333/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/bellinger-homers-makes-dugout-catch-in-nlds-c258096764 |url-status=live }}</ref> His next postseason home run came against [[Jake Arrieta]] of the [[Chicago Cubs]] in Game 4 of the [[2017 National League Championship Series]] (NLCS); in doing so, he became the youngest player to homer in a Championship Series game since the 20-year-old [[Miguel Cabrera]] did so in Game 7 of the [[2003 National League Championship Series|2003 NLCS]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Garro |first=Adrian |title=Cody Bellinger is the youngest hitter to homer in an LCS since Miguel Cabrera in 2003 |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/cody-bellinger-is-the-youngest-player-to-homer-in-the-lcs-since-miguel-cabrera-i |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 18, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001191659/https://www.mlb.com/cut4/cody-bellinger-is-the-youngest-player-to-homer-in-the-lcs-since-miguel-cabrera-i |url-status=live }}</ref> Outside of home runs, however, Bellinger did not generate many hits: with three [[strikeout]]s in Game 7 of the [[2017 World Series]], Bellinger set the MLB record with 29 strikeouts in a single postseason run.<ref>{{cite news |title=World Series 2017: Dodgers' Cody Bellinger breaks Aaron Judge's infamous record |url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/world-series-2017-dodgers-cody-bellinger-breaks-aaron-judges-infamous-record-37710938.html |work=[[Yahoo! Sports]] |date=November 1, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021}}</ref> Despite the Dodgers falling to the [[Houston Astros]] in the World Series, Bellinger was the unanimous winner of the NL [[Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year Award]].<ref name="roy">{{cite news |last=Cassavell |first=AJ |title=Bellinger voted unanimous pick for NL ROY |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-named-bbwaa-nl-rookie-of-year-c261750012 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=November 13, 2017 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001191718/https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-named-bbwaa-nl-rookie-of-year-c261750012 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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====2018: NLCS MVP==== |
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{{see also|2018 Los Angeles Dodgers season}} |
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⚫ | As he entered the [[2018 MLB season]], Bellinger was unfazed by the concept of a [[sophomore slump]], in which an athlete's performance falters during their second professional season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Plunkett |first1=Bill |title=Dodgers' Cody Bellinger is not sweating potential 'sophomore slump' |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2018/03/28/dodgers-cody-bellinger-is-not-sweating-potential-sophomore-slump/ |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=The Orange County Register |date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821060100/https://www.ocregister.com/2018/03/28/dodgers-cody-bellinger-is-not-sweating-potential-sophomore-slump/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He hit the first home run of the season, a two-run shot off of [[ |
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⚫ | As he entered the [[2018 MLB season]], Bellinger was unfazed by the concept of a [[sophomore slump]], in which an athlete's performance falters during their second professional season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Plunkett |first1=Bill |title=Dodgers' Cody Bellinger is not sweating potential 'sophomore slump' |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2018/03/28/dodgers-cody-bellinger-is-not-sweating-potential-sophomore-slump/ |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=The Orange County Register |date=March 28, 2018 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821060100/https://www.ocregister.com/2018/03/28/dodgers-cody-bellinger-is-not-sweating-potential-sophomore-slump/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He hit the first home run of the season, a two-run shot off of [[Josh Osich]] of the Giants to spur the Dodgers to a 9–0 victory and end Bellinger's opening 0-for-11 skid.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bellinger, Hill lead Dodgers to 9-0 rout of slumping Giants |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/380401119 |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=April 1, 2018 |access-date=September 30, 2021}}</ref> That home run was also the 40th of Bellinger's career. He accomplished the feat in 136 games, making him the third-fastest MLB player to reach 40 career home runs.<ref name="mlb"/> Bellinger was unable to sustain his rookie momentum through the start of June, however, when manager [[Dave Roberts (outfielder)|Dave Roberts]] benched him on June 3, there were questions that Bellinger would be [[Option (baseball)|optioned]] back to the minors. Bellinger, meanwhile, used the benching to make a small adjustment to his stance in the batter's box, and he proceeded to record six hits in his next 13 at-bats, including home runs in four consecutive games.<ref>{{cite news |last=Moriyama |first=Chad |title=The low point of Cody Bellinger's season actually led to a needed change in his batting stance and hitting fortunes |url=https://theathletic.com/386697/2018/06/09/the-low-point-of-cody-bellingers-season-actually-led-to-a-needed-change-in-his-batting-chance-and-hitting-fortunes/ |work=The Athletic |date=June 9, 2018 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027181230/https://theathletic.com/386697/2018/06/09/the-low-point-of-cody-bellingers-season-actually-led-to-a-needed-change-in-his-batting-chance-and-hitting-fortunes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He played in all 162 regular-season games that year, batting .260 with 25 home runs and 76 RBIs in 557 at bats.<ref name="majors" /> |
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Bellinger helped the Dodgers to capture the NL West title with the go-ahead two-run home run in a tiebreaker game against the [[Colorado Rockies]] on October 1.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thornburg |first=Chad |title=Bellinger, Muncy homer in tiebreaker game |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/bellinger-muncy-homer-in-nl-west-tiebreaker-c296826448 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 1, 2018 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=July 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730132341/https://www.mlb.com/news/bellinger-muncy-homer-in-nl-west-tiebreaker-c296826448 |url-status=live }}</ref> Once the Dodgers reached the 2018 postseason, however, he began to slump, not recording a hit in the four-game [[2018 National League Division Series|NLDS]] against the [[Atlanta Braves]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Hoornstra |first=J. P. |title=Cody Bellinger's late-season struggles continue as Dodgers drop Game 2 of NLDS |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2019/10/04/cody-bellingers-late-season-struggles-continue-as-dodgers-drop-game-2-of-nlds/ |work=Los Angeles Daily News |date=October 4, 2019 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024111011/https://www.ocregister.com/2019/10/04/cody-bellingers-late-season-struggles-continue-as-dodgers-drop-game-2-of-nlds/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |title=Dodgers oust Braves, to meet Crew in NLCS |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-return-to-nlcs-eliminate-braves-c297403432 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 8, 2018 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108071916/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-return-to-nlcs-eliminate-braves-c297403432 |url-status=live }}</ref> Although he did not hit often during the [[2018 National League Championship Series|NLCS]] against the [[Milwaukee Brewers]], the hits that Bellinger did have were impactful: his 10th-inning jumping catch in Game 4 kept the Dodgers alive, while a 13th-inning single in led the Dodgers towards a walk-off win. After hitting the go-ahead home run in Game 7 that clinched the National League pennant for the Dodgers, Bellinger was named the [[League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award|NLCS MVP]] for the 2018 season.<ref name="nlcs mvp">{{Cite news |last=Trezza |first=Joe |title=Bellinger's turnaround results in NLCS MVP nod |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-wins-2018-nlcs-mvp-award-c299402168 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 20, 2018 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=May 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503234631/https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-wins-2018-nlcs-mvp-award-c299402168 |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite receiving his NLCS honor, Bellinger started only two games in the [[2018 World Series]], with manager [[Dave Roberts (outfielder)|Dave Roberts]] preferring to [[Platoon system|platoon]] almost every position. He successfully reached base only once in the five-game series, on a single, and was later [[caught stealing]].<ref name="disappointment">{{cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |title=Cody Bellinger Spins Disappointment Into an M.V.P. Candidacy |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/13/sports/baseball/cody-bellinger-dodgers.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 13, 2019 |access-date=January 9, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref> The Dodgers lost the World Series to the [[Boston Red Sox]] in five games,<ref>{{cite news |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |title=Team of this century? Sox win 4th title since '04 |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/red-sox-win-2018-world-series-title-c299876586 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 28, 2018 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=February 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202123345/https://www.mlb.com/news/red-sox-win-2018-world-series-title-c299876586 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Bellinger was benched in the elimination game, giving the right-handed [[Enrique Hernández (baseball)|Enrique Hernández]] the start against left-handed Boston pitcher [[David Price (baseball)|David Price]].<ref name="disappointment" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Dodgers bench Cody Bellinger for elimination game vs Red Sox |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2018/10/28/dodgers-bench-cody-bellinger-for-elimination-game-vs-red-sox/ |work=[[Boston Globe]] |agency=Associated Press |date=October 28, 2018 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=February 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226124658/https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2018/10/28/dodgers-bench-cody-bellinger-for-elimination-game-vs-red-sox |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Bellinger helped the Dodgers to capture the NL West title with the go-ahead two-run home run in a tiebreaker game against the [[Colorado Rockies]] on October 1.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thornburg |first=Chad |title=Bellinger, Muncy homer in tiebreaker game |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/bellinger-muncy-homer-in-nl-west-tiebreaker-c296826448 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 1, 2018 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=July 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730132341/https://www.mlb.com/news/bellinger-muncy-homer-in-nl-west-tiebreaker-c296826448 |url-status=live }}</ref> Once the Dodgers reached the 2018 postseason, however, he began to slump, not recording a hit in the four-game [[2018 National League Division Series|NLDS]] against the [[Atlanta Braves]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Hoornstra |first=J. P. |title=Cody Bellinger's late-season struggles continue as Dodgers drop Game 2 of NLDS |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2019/10/04/cody-bellingers-late-season-struggles-continue-as-dodgers-drop-game-2-of-nlds/ |work=Los Angeles Daily News |date=October 4, 2019 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024111011/https://www.ocregister.com/2019/10/04/cody-bellingers-late-season-struggles-continue-as-dodgers-drop-game-2-of-nlds/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |title=Dodgers oust Braves, to meet Crew in NLCS |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-return-to-nlcs-eliminate-braves-c297403432 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 8, 2018 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108071916/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodgers-return-to-nlcs-eliminate-braves-c297403432 |url-status=live }}</ref> Although he did not hit often during the [[2018 National League Championship Series|NLCS]] against the [[Milwaukee Brewers]], the hits that Bellinger did have were impactful: his 10th-inning jumping catch in Game 4 kept the Dodgers alive, while a 13th-inning single in led the Dodgers towards a walk-off win. After hitting the go-ahead home run in Game 7 that clinched the National League pennant for the Dodgers, Bellinger was named the [[League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award|NLCS MVP]] for the 2018 season.<ref name="nlcs mvp">{{Cite news |last=Trezza |first=Joe |title=Bellinger's turnaround results in NLCS MVP nod |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-wins-2018-nlcs-mvp-award-c299402168 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 20, 2018 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=May 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503234631/https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-wins-2018-nlcs-mvp-award-c299402168 |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite receiving his NLCS honor, Bellinger started only two games in the [[2018 World Series]], with manager [[Dave Roberts (outfielder)|Dave Roberts]] preferring to [[Platoon system|platoon]] almost every position. He successfully reached base only once in the five-game series, on a single, and was later [[caught stealing]].<ref name="disappointment">{{cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |title=Cody Bellinger Spins Disappointment Into an M.V.P. Candidacy |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/13/sports/baseball/cody-bellinger-dodgers.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 13, 2019 |access-date=January 9, 2022 |url-access=limited}}</ref> The Dodgers lost the World Series to the [[Boston Red Sox]] in five games,<ref>{{cite news |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |title=Team of this century? Sox win 4th title since '04 |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/red-sox-win-2018-world-series-title-c299876586 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 28, 2018 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=February 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202123345/https://www.mlb.com/news/red-sox-win-2018-world-series-title-c299876586 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Bellinger was benched in the elimination game, giving the right-handed [[Enrique Hernández (baseball)|Enrique Hernández]] the start against left-handed Boston pitcher [[David Price (baseball)|David Price]].<ref name="disappointment" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Dodgers bench Cody Bellinger for elimination game vs Red Sox |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2018/10/28/dodgers-bench-cody-bellinger-for-elimination-game-vs-red-sox/ |work=[[Boston Globe]] |agency=Associated Press |date=October 28, 2018 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-date=February 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226124658/https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2018/10/28/dodgers-bench-cody-bellinger-for-elimination-game-vs-red-sox |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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====2019: NL MVP==== |
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[[File:Codybellinger2019STL (cropped).jpg|thumb|Bellinger with the Dodgers in 2019]] |
{{see also|2019 Los Angeles Dodgers season}} |
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[[File:Codybellinger2019STL (cropped).jpg|thumb|Bellinger with the Dodgers in 2019.]] |
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Bellinger started the 2019 season on a hot streak, leading MLB in runs, hits, batting average, and slugging percentage by the end of April. His 13th home run of the season came on April 27, breaking [[Matt Kemp]]'s record for the most single-season home runs of any Dodger through the end of April. The home run also lifted Bellinger to 88 [[total bases]] by the end of April, three more than [[Chase Utley]]'s 2008 record and the most of any batter in the [[live-ball era]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |title=Bellinger sets slew of records with 13th homer |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-sets-records-with-1st-inning-hr |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=April 27, 2019 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929192618/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-sets-records-with-1st-inning-hr |url-status=live }}</ref> His 97 total bases, 37 RBIs, and 47 hits before May 1 were all MLB records, while his 32 runs scored and 14 home runs tied existing records.<ref>{{cite news |last=Acquavella |first=Katherine |title=Dodgers' Cody Bellinger smashing MLB records in historic first month of 2019 season |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/dodgers-cody-bellinger-smashing-mlb-records-in-historic-first-month-of-2019-season/ |work=[[CBS Sports]] |date=May 1, 2019 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929204432/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/dodgers-cody-bellinger-smashing-mlb-records-in-historic-first-month-of-2019-season/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Batting .431 in 132 plate appearances, Bellinger received his first [[Major League Baseball Player of the Month Award|Player of the Month]] honors for April 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last=Baer |first=Bill |title=Tim Anderson, Cody Bellinger win Player of the Month honors for April |url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2019/05/02/tim-anderson-cody-bellinger-win-player-of-the-month-honors-for-april/ |work=NBC Sports |date=May 2, 2019 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929190343/https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2019/05/02/tim-anderson-cody-bellinger-win-player-of-the-month-honors-for-april/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Bellinger started the 2019 season on a hot streak, leading MLB in runs, hits, batting average, and slugging percentage by the end of April. His 13th home run of the season came on April 27, breaking [[Matt Kemp]]'s record for the most single-season home runs of any Dodger through the end of April. The home run also lifted Bellinger to 88 [[total bases]] by the end of April, three more than [[Chase Utley]]'s 2008 record and the most of any batter in the [[live-ball era]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |title=Bellinger sets slew of records with 13th homer |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-sets-records-with-1st-inning-hr |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=April 27, 2019 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929192618/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-sets-records-with-1st-inning-hr |url-status=live }}</ref> His 97 total bases, 37 RBIs, and 47 hits before May 1 were all MLB records, while his 32 runs scored and 14 home runs tied existing records.<ref>{{cite news |last=Acquavella |first=Katherine |title=Dodgers' Cody Bellinger smashing MLB records in historic first month of 2019 season |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/dodgers-cody-bellinger-smashing-mlb-records-in-historic-first-month-of-2019-season/ |work=[[CBS Sports]] |date=May 1, 2019 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929204432/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/dodgers-cody-bellinger-smashing-mlb-records-in-historic-first-month-of-2019-season/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Batting .431 in 132 plate appearances, Bellinger received his first [[Major League Baseball Player of the Month Award|Player of the Month]] honors for April 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last=Baer |first=Bill |title=Tim Anderson, Cody Bellinger win Player of the Month honors for April |url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2019/05/02/tim-anderson-cody-bellinger-win-player-of-the-month-honors-for-april/ |work=NBC Sports |date=May 2, 2019 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929190343/https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2019/05/02/tim-anderson-cody-bellinger-win-player-of-the-month-honors-for-april/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Bellinger finished the 2019 season with career highs in batting average (.305), home runs (47), and RBIs (115).<ref name="majors">{{cite web |title=Cody Bellinger Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bellico01.shtml |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=October 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022032522/https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bellico01.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> He also received a trifecta of MLB awards, taking home the MVP award, the NL [[Gold Glove Award]], and the NL [[Silver Slugger Award]]. He was the first Dodger in club history to take home all three honors in the same season.<ref name="triple crown">{{Cite news |last1=Wexler |first1=Sarah |last2=Gurnick |first2=Ken |title=Bellinger completes Awards trifecta with MVP |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-2019-nl-mvp-award |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=November 14, 2019 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108070630/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-2019-nl-mvp-award |url-status=live }}</ref> He also received two [[Fielding Bible Award]]s for his performance both in right field and as a multi-positional player in right field, center field, and at first base. With these titles, he became the first Dodgers outfielder to win any Fielding Bible Award and the first MLB player to pick up two in the same season.<ref name="bible">{{cite news |last=Adler |first=David |title=Fielding Bible Award winners announced |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-2019-fielding-bible-award-winners |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 31, 2019 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826151332/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-2019-fielding-bible-award-winners |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger rounded out the 2019 awards season with a selection to the inaugural [[All-MLB Team|All-MLB First Team]], joining Yelich and [[Mike Trout]] in the outfield.<ref name="first team">{{cite news |last1=Castrovince |first1=Anthony |title=Here is the inaugural All-MLB Team |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2019-all-mlb-team |access-date=September 30, 2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=December 16, 2019 |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126165658/https://www.mlb.com/news/2019-all-mlb-team |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Bellinger finished the 2019 season with career highs in batting average (.305), home runs (47), and RBIs (115).<ref name="majors">{{cite web |title=Cody Bellinger Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bellico01.shtml |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=October 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022032522/https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bellico01.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> He also received a trifecta of MLB awards, taking home the MVP award, the NL [[Gold Glove Award]], and the NL [[Silver Slugger Award]]. He was the first Dodger in club history to take home all three honors in the same season.<ref name="triple crown">{{Cite news |last1=Wexler |first1=Sarah |last2=Gurnick |first2=Ken |title=Bellinger completes Awards trifecta with MVP |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-2019-nl-mvp-award |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=November 14, 2019 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108070630/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-2019-nl-mvp-award |url-status=live }}</ref> He also received two [[Fielding Bible Award]]s for his performance both in right field and as a multi-positional player in right field, center field, and at first base. With these titles, he became the first Dodgers outfielder to win any Fielding Bible Award and the first MLB player to pick up two in the same season.<ref name="bible">{{cite news |last=Adler |first=David |title=Fielding Bible Award winners announced |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-2019-fielding-bible-award-winners |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 31, 2019 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826151332/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-2019-fielding-bible-award-winners |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger rounded out the 2019 awards season with a selection to the inaugural [[All-MLB Team|All-MLB First Team]], joining Yelich and [[Mike Trout]] in the outfield.<ref name="first team">{{cite news |last1=Castrovince |first1=Anthony |title=Here is the inaugural All-MLB Team |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2019-all-mlb-team |access-date=September 30, 2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=December 16, 2019 |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126165658/https://www.mlb.com/news/2019-all-mlb-team |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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====2020: World Series champions==== |
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{{see also|2020 Los Angeles Dodgers season}} |
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⚫ | During the 2019–20 MLB offseason, Bellinger signed an $11.5 million contract with the Dodgers for the 2020 season, breaking [[Kris Bryant]]'s record for the largest single-season contract for a player in his first year eligible for [[arbitration]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |title=Bellinger sets 1st-year arbitration record |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-arbitration-record |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=January 10, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101012912/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-arbitration-record |url-status=live }}</ref> When MLB announced the indefinite suspension of the [[2020 MLB season|2020 season]] due to the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports|COVID-19 pandemic]], Bellinger went back to Arizona and focused on tweaking his swing in a "stress-free environment".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Beth |title=Healthy Bellinger ready for 'once-in-a-lifetime' season |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/mlb/healthy-bellinger-ready-for-once-in-a-lifetime-season/2020/07/09/9d54f814-c24d-11ea-8908-68a2b9eae9e0_story.html |access-date=August 20, 2021 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |agency=Associated Press |date=July 9, 2020}}</ref> When the pandemic-shortened season began, Bellinger had a slow start, going 5-for-36 in his first eight games. Unlike in previous years, Bellinger was making weak contact with pitches, leading to a large number of groundouts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Plunkett |first1=Bill |title=Dodgers bench slumping Cody Bellinger for a day |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2020/08/01/dodgers-bench-slumping-cody-bellinger-for-a-day/ |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=Orange County Register |date=August 1, 2020 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821223947/https://www.ocregister.com/2020/08/01/dodgers-bench-slumping-cody-bellinger-for-a-day/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His numbers for the whole season saw a drop-off from the previous year: in 56 games of the shortened season, Bellinger hit only .239, with a .789 OPS and only 12 home runs.<ref name="why" /> The 2020 season proved to be a struggle for many of MLB's top hitters: five of the 15 batters who showed the largest drop in slugging percentage were previous MVP winners or finalists, including Bellinger. Bellinger's drops in batting average and slugging percentage, the latter of which fell from .670 in 2019 to .354 in 2020, |
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⚫ | During the 2019–20 MLB offseason, Bellinger signed an $11.5 million contract with the Dodgers for the 2020 season, breaking [[Kris Bryant]]'s record for the largest single-season contract for a player in his first year eligible for [[arbitration]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |title=Bellinger sets 1st-year arbitration record |url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-arbitration-record |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=January 10, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101012912/https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/cody-bellinger-arbitration-record |url-status=live }}</ref> When MLB announced the indefinite suspension of the [[2020 MLB season|2020 season]] due to the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports|COVID-19 pandemic]], Bellinger went back to Arizona and focused on tweaking his swing in a "stress-free environment".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Beth |title=Healthy Bellinger ready for 'once-in-a-lifetime' season |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/mlb/healthy-bellinger-ready-for-once-in-a-lifetime-season/2020/07/09/9d54f814-c24d-11ea-8908-68a2b9eae9e0_story.html |access-date=August 20, 2021 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |agency=Associated Press |date=July 9, 2020}}</ref> When the pandemic-shortened season began, Bellinger had a slow start, going 5-for-36 in his first eight games. Unlike in previous years, Bellinger was making weak contact with pitches, leading to a large number of groundouts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Plunkett |first1=Bill |title=Dodgers bench slumping Cody Bellinger for a day |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2020/08/01/dodgers-bench-slumping-cody-bellinger-for-a-day/ |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=Orange County Register |date=August 1, 2020 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821223947/https://www.ocregister.com/2020/08/01/dodgers-bench-slumping-cody-bellinger-for-a-day/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His numbers for the whole season saw a drop-off from the previous year: in 56 games of the shortened season, Bellinger hit only .239, with a .789 OPS and only 12 home runs.<ref name="why" /> The 2020 season proved to be a struggle for many of MLB's top hitters: five of the 15 batters who showed the largest drop in slugging percentage were previous MVP winners or finalists, including Bellinger. Bellinger's drops in batting average and slugging percentage, the latter of which fell from .670 in 2019 to .354 in 2020, were explained by his constant experimentation with his swing, which prevented him from locking into pitches the way he had the season prior.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Verducci |first=Tom |title=Will MLB's Best Hitters Recover From Their Awful 2020 Seasons? |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/03/02/baseball-preview-christian-yelich-cody-bellinger-daily-cover |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=March 2, 2021 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=March 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304034438/https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/03/02/baseball-preview-christian-yelich-cody-bellinger-daily-cover |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger was once again a finalist for a Gold Glove Award in the outfield, but the award ultimately went to [[Trent Grisham]] of the San Diego Padres.<ref>{{cite news |last=Castillo |first=Jorge |title=Dodgers' Mookie Betts wins Gold Glove, as does Angels' Griffin Canning |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2020-11-03/mookie-betts-gold-glove-griffin-canning |work=Los Angeles Times |date=November 3, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=May 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516103005/https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2020-11-03/mookie-betts-gold-glove-griffin-canning |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The Dodgers were the first team to clinch a playoff berth in the 2020 season, developing a commanding lead over the NL West by September 16.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gardner |first1=Steve |title=Dodgers become first team to clinch MLB playoff berth with win over Padres |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/dodgers/2020/09/16/los-angeles-dodgers-first-clinch-mlb-playoff-berth/3475706001/ |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=USA Today |date=September 16, 2020 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821224333/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/dodgers/2020/09/16/los-angeles-dodgers-first-clinch-mlb-playoff-berth/3475706001/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They finished at the top of their division and went on to sweep the Brewers at the [[2020 National League Wild Card Series]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |title=Kershaw's playoff gem: 'Fun night for me' |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-win-nl-wild-card-series-2020 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 2, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918181004/https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-win-nl-wild-card-series-2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> From there, the Dodgers faced the Padres in the [[2020 National League Division Series|2020 NLDS]], where Bellinger's defensive play in Game 2 allowed Los Angeles to hang onto their 4–3 lead and take the game. In the seventh inning, with Grisham on second base, Bellinger made a jumping catch to rob [[Fernando Tatis Jr.]] of a two-run home run.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mitchell |first=Houston |title=Greatest moments in Dodger history, No. 22: Cody Bellinger's catch in 2020 NLDS |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/newsletter/2021-03-03/cody-bellinger-catch-nlds-dodgers-dugout |work=Los Angeles Times |date=March 3, 2021 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929085920/https://www.latimes.com/sports/newsletter/2021-03-03/cody-bellinger-catch-nlds-dodgers-dugout |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[2020 National League Championship Series|2020 NLCS]] started with the Dodgers down 3–1 in four games, but they were able to mount a comeback and push the series to seven games. Bellinger scored the go-ahead home run in that final game, clinching the Dodgers' place in the [[2020 World Series]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Castillo |first=Jorge |title=Dodgers defeat Braves on Cody Bellinger's blast, advance to the World Series |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2020-10-18/dodgers-braves-nlcs-game-7-world-series-mlb-season |work=Los Angeles Times |date=October 18, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930002152/https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2020-10-18/dodgers-braves-nlcs-game-7-world-series-mlb-season |url-status=live }}</ref> There, the Dodgers defeated the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] in six games for Bellinger's first World Series championship and the Dodgers' first since 1988.<ref name="ws">{{Cite news |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |title=Wait is over! Dodgers win 1st WS since '88 |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-win-2020-world-series?game_pk=635886 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 28, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101031055/https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-win-2020-world-series?game_pk=635886 |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite injuring his shoulder during the NLCS, Bellinger continued to play in the World Series, and he celebrated his Game 1 home run by foot-tapping his teammates rather than high-fiving them.<ref>{{cite news |last=Monagan |first=Matt |title=Belli's toe tap is the hip new HR celebration |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-foot-tap-celebration |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 20, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129211544/https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-foot-tap-celebration |url-status=live }}</ref> After the season, Bellinger signed a one-year, $16.1 million contract with the Dodgers for the 2021 season.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cassavell |first=AJ |title=LA avoids arb with Belli, Seager; not Buehler |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-2021-arbitration-agreements |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=January 15, 2021 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=March 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301104518/https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-2021-arbitration-agreements |url-status=live }}</ref> |
The Dodgers were the first team to clinch a playoff berth in the 2020 season, developing a commanding lead over the NL West by September 16.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gardner |first1=Steve |title=Dodgers become first team to clinch MLB playoff berth with win over Padres |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/dodgers/2020/09/16/los-angeles-dodgers-first-clinch-mlb-playoff-berth/3475706001/ |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=USA Today |date=September 16, 2020 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821224333/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/dodgers/2020/09/16/los-angeles-dodgers-first-clinch-mlb-playoff-berth/3475706001/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They finished at the top of their division and went on to sweep the Brewers at the [[2020 National League Wild Card Series]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Gurnick |first=Ken |title=Kershaw's playoff gem: 'Fun night for me' |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-win-nl-wild-card-series-2020 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 2, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918181004/https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-win-nl-wild-card-series-2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> From there, the Dodgers faced the Padres in the [[2020 National League Division Series|2020 NLDS]], where Bellinger's defensive play in Game 2 allowed Los Angeles to hang onto their 4–3 lead and take the game. In the seventh inning, with Grisham on second base, Bellinger made a jumping catch to rob [[Fernando Tatis Jr.]] of a two-run home run.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mitchell |first=Houston |title=Greatest moments in Dodger history, No. 22: Cody Bellinger's catch in 2020 NLDS |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/newsletter/2021-03-03/cody-bellinger-catch-nlds-dodgers-dugout |work=Los Angeles Times |date=March 3, 2021 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929085920/https://www.latimes.com/sports/newsletter/2021-03-03/cody-bellinger-catch-nlds-dodgers-dugout |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[2020 National League Championship Series|2020 NLCS]] started with the Dodgers down 3–1 in four games, but they were able to mount a comeback and push the series to seven games. Bellinger scored the go-ahead home run in that final game, clinching the Dodgers' place in the [[2020 World Series]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Castillo |first=Jorge |title=Dodgers defeat Braves on Cody Bellinger's blast, advance to the World Series |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2020-10-18/dodgers-braves-nlcs-game-7-world-series-mlb-season |work=Los Angeles Times |date=October 18, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930002152/https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2020-10-18/dodgers-braves-nlcs-game-7-world-series-mlb-season |url-status=live }}</ref> There, the Dodgers defeated the [[Tampa Bay Rays]] in six games for Bellinger's first World Series championship and the Dodgers' first since 1988.<ref name="ws">{{Cite news |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |title=Wait is over! Dodgers win 1st WS since '88 |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-win-2020-world-series?game_pk=635886 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 28, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101031055/https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-win-2020-world-series?game_pk=635886 |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite injuring his shoulder during the NLCS, Bellinger continued to play in the World Series, and he celebrated his Game 1 home run by foot-tapping his teammates rather than high-fiving them.<ref>{{cite news |last=Monagan |first=Matt |title=Belli's toe tap is the hip new HR celebration |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-foot-tap-celebration |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 20, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129211544/https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-foot-tap-celebration |url-status=live }}</ref> After the season, Bellinger signed a one-year, $16.1 million contract with the Dodgers for the 2021 season.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cassavell |first=AJ |title=LA avoids arb with Belli, Seager; not Buehler |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-2021-arbitration-agreements |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=January 15, 2021 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=March 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301104518/https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-2021-arbitration-agreements |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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====2021: Injuries and regression ==== |
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{{see also|2021 Los Angeles Dodgers season}} |
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Bellinger, who had repeatedly injured his right shoulder by diving for ground balls throughout his professional baseball career, underwent surgery for the affected arm in November 2020. He revealed later that, while celebrating his NLCS-winning home run that October, he had dislocated his shoulder by connecting too strongly with teammate [[Enrique Hernández (baseball)|Enrique Hernández]]' arm.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gurnick |first1=Ken |title=Bellinger has surgery for dislocated shoulder |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-right-shoulder-surgery |access-date=August 18, 2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |date=November 17, 2020 |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818145515/https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-right-shoulder-surgery |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger's recovery from the [[Arthroscopy|arthroscopic]] [[glenoid labrum]] surgery progressed ahead of schedule, and he was able to join the Dodgers for spring training in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Castillo |first1=Jorge |title=Dodgers slugger Cody Bellinger on schedule in return from shoulder surgery |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2021-03-10/dodgers-cody-bellinger-on-schedule-return-from-shoulder-surgery |access-date=August 18, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=March 10, 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818145515/https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2021-03-10/dodgers-cody-bellinger-on-schedule-return-from-shoulder-surgery |url-status=live }}</ref> He suffered another serious injury on April 6 after colliding with [[Oakland Athletics]] pitcher [[Reymin Guduan]]. Bellinger was initially placed on the 10-day injured list before medical scans revealed that he had suffered a [[hairline fracture]] in his left [[fibula]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Toribio |first1=Juan |title=Bellinger has hairline fracture in left fibula |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-hairline-fracture-left-leg |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=MLB.com |date=April 16, 2021 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821213524/https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-hairline-fracture-left-leg |url-status=live }}</ref> He returned on May 29, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in an 11–6 loss to the Giants, but a sixth-inning walk allowed Bellinger to extend his on-base streak to 20 games.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Alexander |first1=Jim |title=Alexander: Cody Bellinger's back, and ... well, it's a work in progress |url=https://www.pe.com/2021/05/29/alexander-bellingers-back-and-well-its-a-work-in-progress/ |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=[[The Press-Enterprise]] |date=May 29, 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830233654/https://www.pe.com/2021/05/29/alexander-bellingers-back-and-well-its-a-work-in-progress/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Bellinger |
Bellinger, who had repeatedly injured his right shoulder by diving for ground balls throughout his professional baseball career, underwent surgery for the affected arm in November 2020. He revealed later that while celebrating his NLCS-winning home run that October, he had dislocated his shoulder by connecting too strongly with teammate [[Enrique Hernández (baseball)|Enrique Hernández]]' arm.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gurnick |first1=Ken |title=Bellinger has surgery for dislocated shoulder |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-right-shoulder-surgery |access-date=August 18, 2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |date=November 17, 2020 |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818145515/https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-right-shoulder-surgery |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger's recovery from the [[Arthroscopy|arthroscopic]] [[glenoid labrum]] surgery progressed ahead of schedule, and he was able to join the Dodgers for spring training in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Castillo |first1=Jorge |title=Dodgers slugger Cody Bellinger on schedule in return from shoulder surgery |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2021-03-10/dodgers-cody-bellinger-on-schedule-return-from-shoulder-surgery |access-date=August 18, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=March 10, 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=August 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818145515/https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2021-03-10/dodgers-cody-bellinger-on-schedule-return-from-shoulder-surgery |url-status=live }}</ref> He suffered another serious injury on April 6 after colliding with [[Oakland Athletics]] pitcher [[Reymin Guduan]].<ref name="e839">{{cite web | last=Perry | first=Dayn | title=Cody Bellinger injury: Dodgers star lands on IL with calf contusion ahead of home opener | website=CBSSports.com | date=2021-04-09 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/cody-bellinger-injury-dodgers-star-lands-on-il-with-calf-contusion-ahead-of-home-opener/ | access-date=2024-09-09}}</ref> Bellinger was initially placed on the 10-day injured list before medical scans revealed that he had suffered a [[hairline fracture]] in his left [[fibula]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Toribio |first1=Juan |title=Bellinger has hairline fracture in left fibula |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-hairline-fracture-left-leg |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=MLB.com |date=April 16, 2021 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821213524/https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-hairline-fracture-left-leg |url-status=live }}</ref> He returned on May 29, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in an 11–6 loss to the Giants, but a sixth-inning walk allowed Bellinger to extend his on-base streak to 20 games.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Alexander |first1=Jim |title=Alexander: Cody Bellinger's back, and ... well, it's a work in progress |url=https://www.pe.com/2021/05/29/alexander-bellingers-back-and-well-its-a-work-in-progress/ |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=[[The Press-Enterprise]] |date=May 29, 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830233654/https://www.pe.com/2021/05/29/alexander-bellingers-back-and-well-its-a-work-in-progress/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Bellinger's return from injury was marked by a career-worst offensive performance. In his first 11 games back, he struck out 14 times while recording only one extra-base hit.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Plunkett |first1=Bill |title=Dodgers' Cody Bellinger 'close' to breaking out of slump, Dave Roberts says |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2021/06/10/dodgers-cody-bellinger-close-to-breaking-out-of-slump-dave-roberts-says/ |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=Orange County Register |date=June 10, 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821213525/https://www.ocregister.com/2021/06/10/dodgers-cody-bellinger-close-to-breaking-out-of-slump-dave-roberts-says/ |url-status=live }}</ref> While his defense remained sharp in center field, by July 23, Bellinger was batting under .200 both at home and on the road.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mitchell |first1=Houston |title=Dodgers Dugout: What should be done about Cody Bellinger and Kenley Jansen? |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/newsletter/2021-07-23/cody-bellinger-dodgers-dugout |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=July 23, 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821074420/https://www.latimes.com/sports/newsletter/2021-07-23/cody-bellinger-dodgers-dugout |url-status=live }}</ref> He admitted in August that his poor batting was due to lingering pain and weakness from both the shoulder and leg injuries, and Bellinger's batting grew stronger as he continued to exercise the affected areas.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ardaya |first1=Fabian |title=Cody Bellinger has shouldered the burden of a career-worst 2021. Can he turn it around? |url=https://theathletic.com/2772451/2021/08/16/cody-bellinger-has-shouldered-the-burden-of-a-career-worst-2021-can-he-turn-it-around/ |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=[[The Athletic]] |date=August 16, 2021 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821213524/https://theathletic.com/2772451/2021/08/16/cody-bellinger-has-shouldered-the-burden-of-a-career-worst-2021-can-he-turn-it-around/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the end of the month, Roberts decided to relegate Bellinger to a [[Platoon system|platoon]] role in the outfield, starting [[A. J. Pollock]], [[Mookie Betts]], or [[Chris Taylor (baseball)|Chris Taylor]] against left-handed pitchers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Plunkett |first=Bill |title=Dodgers' Dave Roberts says slumping Cody Bellinger won't play vs. lefties |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2021/08/30/dodgers-dave-roberts-says-slumping-cody-bellinger-wont-play-vs-lefties/ |work=Orange County Register |date=August 30, 2021 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=September 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901074512/https://www.ocregister.com/2021/08/30/dodgers-dave-roberts-says-slumping-cody-bellinger-wont-play-vs-lefties/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Injuries to Pollock and Taylor, however, forced the Dodgers to renege on that platoon system shortly after its introduction.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Laws |first=Will |title=Pumpkin Watch: Four Stars Suddenly Sliding Out of the Spotlight |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/09/21/pumpkin-watch-cody-bellinger-patrick-corbin-the-opener |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=September 21, 2021 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929201539/https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/09/21/pumpkin-watch-cody-bellinger-patrick-corbin-the-opener |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger suffered his third major injury of the season in September, when a collision with teammate [[Gavin Lux]] resulted in a fractured rib. By the time of the collision, Bellinger had already missed 46 games that season with his fractured fibula, and an additional seven with hamstring tightness.<ref>{{cite news |title=Los Angeles Dodgers put Cody Bellinger on IL due to rib fracture |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/32253339/los-angeles-dodgers-put-cody-bellinger-il-due-rib-fracture |work=ESPN |date=September 21, 2021 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-date=September 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923000806/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/32253339/los-angeles-dodgers-put-cody-bellinger-il-due-rib-fracture |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger finished the regular season batting a career-low .165, with ten home runs and 36 RBIs in 315 at bats.<ref name="majors" /> |
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In the [[2021 National League Wild Card Game|Wild Card Game]] against the [[St. Louis Cardinals]], he reached base three times and stole twice.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |title=Chris Taylor, Cody Bellinger unlikely heroes as Los Angeles Dodgers walk off with NL wild card over St. Louis Cardinals |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/32352117/los-angeles-dodgers-beat-st-louis-cardinals-national-league-wild-card-game |work=ESPN |date=October 7, 2021 |access-date=October 10, 2021}}</ref> In Game 2 of the [[2021 National League Division Series|NLDS]] match against division rivals the [[San Francisco Giants]], Bellinger's two-RBI double provided the go-ahead runs for an ultimate 9–2 rout of San Francisco.<ref>{{cite news |last=Harding |first=Thomas |title=Belli's big double brings LA bats to life |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-nlds-game-2 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 10, 2021 |access-date=October 10, 2021}}</ref> Bellinger's game-winning RBI single in Game 5 of the NLDS not only helped the Dodgers to defeat the Giants and advance to the NLCS, but it helped him tie [[Manny Ramirez]] and [[Gene Tenace]]'s record of three career go-ahead hits in winner-take-all games.<ref>{{cite news |last=Toribio |first=Juan |title=Dodgers finally overtake Giants, reach NLCS |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-beat-giants-in-nlds-2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 15, 2021 |access-date=October 15, 2021}}</ref> In Game 3 of the [[2021 National League Championship Series|NLCS]], the Dodgers were down 5–2 against the [[Atlanta Braves]] when Bellinger hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning. After Bellinger tied the game and cleared the bases, a single and stolen base from [[Chris Taylor (baseball)|Chris Taylor]], followed by an RBI double from [[Mookie Betts]], helped the Dodgers win the game 6–5. The home run pitch from [[Luke Jackson (baseball)|Luke Jackson]], a {{convert|96|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} [[fastball]], crossed the plate while {{convert|4.12|ft}} above the ground, making it very difficult to hit. It was Bellinger's first home run of the season that had been thrown outside the [[strike zone]]. Dave Roberts told reporters after the game that "it's just hard to imagine a bigger hit".<ref>{{cite news |last=Doolittle |first=Bradford |title='It's just hard to imagine a bigger hit': Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers in awe of Cody Bellinger |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/32434610/dave-roberts-los-angeles-dodgers-awe-cody-bellinger |work=ESPN |date=October 20, 2021 |access-date=October 30, 2021}}</ref> Although the Dodgers went on to lose to the Braves in six games,<ref>{{cite news |last=Toribio |first=Juan |title=Dodgers' quest to repeat ends in NLCS |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-lose-nlcs-2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 24, 2021 |access-date=October 30, 2021}}</ref> Bellinger recorded 12 hits and seven RBIs in 34 postseason at bats.<ref name="majors" /> |
In the [[2021 National League Wild Card Game|Wild Card Game]] against the [[St. Louis Cardinals]], he reached base three times and stole twice.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |title=Chris Taylor, Cody Bellinger unlikely heroes as Los Angeles Dodgers walk off with NL wild card over St. Louis Cardinals |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/32352117/los-angeles-dodgers-beat-st-louis-cardinals-national-league-wild-card-game |work=ESPN |date=October 7, 2021 |access-date=October 10, 2021}}</ref> In Game 2 of the [[2021 National League Division Series|NLDS]] match against division rivals the [[San Francisco Giants]], Bellinger's two-RBI double provided the go-ahead runs for an ultimate 9–2 rout of San Francisco.<ref>{{cite news |last=Harding |first=Thomas |title=Belli's big double brings LA bats to life |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-nlds-game-2 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 10, 2021 |access-date=October 10, 2021}}</ref> Bellinger's game-winning RBI single in Game 5 of the NLDS not only helped the Dodgers to defeat the Giants and advance to the NLCS, but it helped him tie [[Manny Ramirez]] and [[Gene Tenace]]'s record of three career go-ahead hits in winner-take-all games.<ref>{{cite news |last=Toribio |first=Juan |title=Dodgers finally overtake Giants, reach NLCS |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-beat-giants-in-nlds-2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 15, 2021 |access-date=October 15, 2021}}</ref> In Game 3 of the [[2021 National League Championship Series|NLCS]], the Dodgers were down 5–2 against the [[Atlanta Braves]] when Bellinger hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning. After Bellinger tied the game and cleared the bases, a single and stolen base from [[Chris Taylor (baseball)|Chris Taylor]], followed by an RBI double from [[Mookie Betts]], helped the Dodgers win the game 6–5. The home run pitch from [[Luke Jackson (baseball)|Luke Jackson]], a {{convert|96|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} [[fastball]], crossed the plate while {{convert|4.12|ft}} above the ground, making it very difficult to hit. It was Bellinger's first home run of the season that had been thrown outside the [[strike zone]]. Dave Roberts told reporters after the game that "it's just hard to imagine a bigger hit".<ref>{{cite news |last=Doolittle |first=Bradford |title='It's just hard to imagine a bigger hit': Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers in awe of Cody Bellinger |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/32434610/dave-roberts-los-angeles-dodgers-awe-cody-bellinger |work=ESPN |date=October 20, 2021 |access-date=October 30, 2021}}</ref> Although the Dodgers went on to lose to the Braves in six games,<ref>{{cite news |last=Toribio |first=Juan |title=Dodgers' quest to repeat ends in NLCS |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/dodgers-lose-nlcs-2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=October 24, 2021 |access-date=October 30, 2021}}</ref> Bellinger recorded 12 hits and seven RBIs in 34 postseason at bats.<ref name="majors" /> |
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⚫ | On December 23, Bellinger signed a $17 million contract with the Dodgers, avoiding salary arbitration.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/arbtracker2022|title=Arbitration Tracker For 2022|access-date=March 23, 2022|website=MLBTradeRumors}}</ref> In 2022, Bellinger had the lowest on |
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====2022: Final season in LA==== |
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{{see also|2022 Los Angeles Dodgers season}} |
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⚫ | On December 23, Bellinger signed a $17 million contract with the Dodgers, avoiding salary arbitration.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/arbtracker2022|title=Arbitration Tracker For 2022|access-date=March 23, 2022|website=MLBTradeRumors}}</ref> In 2022, Bellinger had the lowest on-base percentage of all qualified hitters in the majors at .265, he also had a .210 batting average with 19 home runs and 68 RBIs<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2022&month=0&season1=2022&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2022-01-01&enddate=2022-12-31&sort=14,a|title=Major League Leaderboards » 2022 » Batters » Dashboard | FanGraphs Baseball|website=www.fangraphs.com}}</ref> and struck out 150 times in 504 at-bats.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/splits-leaderboards|title=Splits Leaderboards | FanGraphs|website=www.fangraphs.com}}</ref> After the season, the Dodgers non-tendered him, making him a free agent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/11/dodgers-to-non-tender-cody-bellinger.html|title=Dodgers To Non-Tender Cody Bellinger|work=MLB Trade Rumors|first=Anthony|last=Franco|date=November 18, 2022|accessdate=November 18, 2022}}</ref> |
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====2023: NL Comeback Player of the Year==== |
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⚫ | On December 14, 2022, Bellinger signed a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2024 with the [[Chicago Cubs]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Cubs agree to terms with outfielder Cody Bellinger on a one-year Major League contract|url=https://www.mlb.com/cubs/press-release/press-release-cubs-agree-to-terms-with-outfielder-cody-bellinger?t=cubs-press-releases|date=December 14, 2022|accessdate=December 14, 2022|work=MLB.com}}</ref> Bellinger was named the [[Major League Baseball Player of the Month Award | National League Player of the Month]] for July 2023. He had eight home runs, 24 RBIs, and had a .400 batting average over that span.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sepe-Chepuru |first=Shanthi |date=August 2, 2023 |title=Monthly award winners for July announced |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-july-2023-monthly-award-winners |access-date=August 2, 2023 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref> For the season, he had a .307 batting average and hit 26 home runs while driving in 97 RBI.<ref name="majors" /> |
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====2024==== |
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On November 3, 2023, Bellinger declined his mutual option and became a free agent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kistner |first=Kade |date=November 3, 2023 |title=Cody Bellinger Rejects Option, Becomes Free Agent |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/cubs/news/cody-bellinger-rejects-option-becomes-free-agent |access-date=November 3, 2023 |website=si.com |language=en}}</ref> On February 27, 2024, he re-signed with the Cubs on a three-year, $80 million contract containing opt-out clauses after each of the first two seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 27, 2024|agency=Associated Press |title=Chicago Cubs finalize Bellinger contract after trading a minor leaguer to the White Sox |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2024/02/27/chicago-cubs-finalize-bellinger-contract-after-trading-a-minor-leaguer-to-the-white-sox/72761217007/ |access-date=April 8, 2024 |website=USA TODAY}}</ref> Bellinger finished the 2024 season with a .266 average, 18 home runs, and 78 RBIs, and exercised the option on his contract for the 2025 season.<ref>https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-exercises-2025-contract-option-with-cubs</ref> |
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On December 14, 2022, Bellinger signed a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2024 with the [[Chicago Cubs]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Cubs agree to terms with outfielder Cody Bellinger on a one-year Major League contract|url=https://www.mlb.com/cubs/press-release/press-release-cubs-agree-to-terms-with-outfielder-cody-bellinger?t=cubs-press-releases|date=December 14, 2022|accessdate=December 14, 2022|work=MLB.com}}</ref> |
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===New York Yankees=== |
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On April 14, 2023, Bellinger played his first game back at [[Dodger Stadium]] when the Cubs visited Los Angeles for a three-game series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Toribio |first=Juan |date=April 15, 2023 |title=Belli cherishes memories of playing for Dodgers |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-returns-to-dodger-stadium-with-cubs |access-date=2023-04-15 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref> On April 20, during a home game against the Dodgers, he went 1 for 2 with a home run, one RBI, and two hit-by-pitches in a 6-2 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Game Wrap |url=https://www.mlb.com/gameday/dodgers-vs-cubs/2023/04/20/718499/final/wrap |access-date=2023-04-20 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref> |
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On December 17, 2024, the Cubs traded Bellinger with $5 million in cash considerations to the [[New York Yankees]] in exchange for [[Cody Poteet]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=McCalvy|first1=Adam|title=Cubs trade Bellinger to Yanks in exchange for righty Poteet|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-cody-poteet-cubs-yankees-trade|website=mlb.com|publisher=[[Major League Baseball|MLB]]|date=December 17, 2024|accessdate=December 17, 2024}}</ref> |
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⚫ | Bellinger, originally much weaker while batting than fielding became a [[power hitter]] after making a change to his batting stance during the 2014–15 offseason. Working with [[Shawn Wooten]] and [[Damon Mashore]], Bellinger incorporated a small hand and wrist movement into his "load phase", which prepared him to make strong contact with the ball.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=McKnight |first=Michael |title=How Cody Bellinger Transformed From a Light-Hitting Prospect Into An Elite Young Power Hitter |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2017/10/31/cody-bellinger-los-angeles-dodgers-houston-astros-world-series |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=October 31, 2017 |access-date=January 9, 2022}}</ref> In response to concerns that he was "standing too tall and straight-legged" in the batter's box during the 2018 season, making it difficult to build momentum,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |title='Cody's gotta be our guy': Bellinger ready for star turn in L.A. |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26137679/bellinger-ready-star-turn-la |work=ESPN |date=March 6, 2019 |access-date=January 9, 2022}}</ref> Bellinger made a number of other changes during the 2018–19 offseason, including adopting a more relaxed position at the plate and aiming to hit under [[breaking ball]]s rather than over.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sawchik |first=Travis |title=Cody Bellinger Was Already Good. Then He Changed His Swing. |url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/cody-bellinger-was-already-good-then-he-changed-his-swing/ |work=[[FiveThirtyEight]] |date=May 30, 2019 |access-date=January 9, 2022}}</ref> These changes, coupled with showing greater discretion in choosing when to swing, helped Bellinger make contact more frequently and with greater power during his MVP season.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kram |first=Zach |title=Cody Bellinger Has Been the Best Baseball Player in Los Angeles This Season |url=https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2019/4/19/18496538/los-angeles-dodgers-cody-bellinger-national-league-best-player |work=[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]] |date=April 19, 2019 |access-date=January 9, 2022}}</ref> |
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⚫ | Bellinger, originally much weaker while batting than fielding |
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== Awards and honors == |
== Awards and honors == |
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==Personal life== |
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Bellinger has one brother, Cole, who is four years his junior. A standout [[pitcher]] for Hamilton High School, Cole was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 15th round of the [[2017 MLB Draft]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cassavell |first1=AJ |title=Padres draft rookie Bellinger's brother, Cole |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/padres-draft-cole-bellinger-brother-of-cody-c236423928 |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=June 14, 2017 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821205043/https://www.mlb.com/news/padres-draft-cole-bellinger-brother-of-cody-c236423928 |url-status=live }}</ref> Cole played for two seasons in the Padres farm system before retiring from baseball in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cole Bellinger Stats, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.milb.com/player/cole-bellinger-676374 |website=MiLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |access-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821205040/https://www.milb.com/player/cole-bellinger-676374 |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger has two |
Bellinger has one brother, Cole, who is four years his junior. A standout [[pitcher]] for Hamilton High School, Cole was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 15th round of the [[2017 MLB Draft]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cassavell |first1=AJ |title=Padres draft rookie Bellinger's brother, Cole |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/padres-draft-cole-bellinger-brother-of-cody-c236423928 |access-date=August 21, 2021 |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=June 14, 2017 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821205043/https://www.mlb.com/news/padres-draft-cole-bellinger-brother-of-cody-c236423928 |url-status=live }}</ref> Cole played for two seasons in the Padres farm system before retiring from baseball in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cole Bellinger Stats, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.milb.com/player/cole-bellinger-676374 |website=MiLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |access-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821205040/https://www.milb.com/player/cole-bellinger-676374 |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger has two daughters with wife [[Chase Carter]], born November 2021 and April 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Slater |first=Georgia |title=Cody Bellinger Welcomes First Baby, Daughter Caiden Carter |url=https://people.com/parents/cody-bellinger-chase-carter-welcome-first-baby/ |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=December 1, 2021 |access-date=December 27, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Jesse |date=April 25, 2023 |title=Cubs' Bellinger to paternity list; Velazquez recalled |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/36291212/chicago-cubs-place-cody-bellinger-paternity-list |access-date=April 26, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Blake |date=October 22, 2022 |title=Dodgers News: Cody Bellinger & Chase Carter Expecting Second Child |url=https://dodgerblue.com/dodgers-news-cody-bellinger-dad-chase-carter-second-child/2022/10/21/ |access-date=April 26, 2023 |website=Dodger Blue |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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A character inspired by Bellinger makes a [[cameo appearance]] in the video game ''[[Assassin's Creed Valhalla]]''. The player character must defeat [[Viking]] Otta Sluggasson, who wields a tree trunk like a baseball bat, during one story section.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alipour |first=Sam |title=Dodgers' Cody Bellinger on World Series win, Lakers co-celebration, and appearance in the new Assassin's Creed |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30251937/dodgers-cody-bellinger-world-series-win-lakers-co-celebration-appearance-new-assassin-creed |work=ESPN |date=November 4, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727144022/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30251937/dodgers-cody-bellinger-world-series-win-lakers-co-celebration-appearance-new-assassin-creed |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger, an avid gamer, recorded his movements using [[motion capture]] technology, with his own baseball bat serving as Sluggasson's weapon.<ref>{{cite news |last=Clair |first=Michael |title=Bellinger became Viking for Assassin's Creed |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-stars-in-assassin-s-creed-valhalla |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=December 7, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=May 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529175819/https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-stars-in-assassin-s-creed-valhalla |url-status=live }}</ref> |
A character inspired by Bellinger makes a [[cameo appearance]] in the video game ''[[Assassin's Creed Valhalla]]''. The player character must defeat [[Viking]] Otta Sluggasson, who wields a tree trunk like a baseball bat, during one story section.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alipour |first=Sam |title=Dodgers' Cody Bellinger on World Series win, Lakers co-celebration, and appearance in the new Assassin's Creed |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30251937/dodgers-cody-bellinger-world-series-win-lakers-co-celebration-appearance-new-assassin-creed |work=ESPN |date=November 4, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727144022/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30251937/dodgers-cody-bellinger-world-series-win-lakers-co-celebration-appearance-new-assassin-creed |url-status=live }}</ref> Bellinger, an avid gamer, recorded his movements using [[motion capture]] technology, with his own baseball bat serving as Sluggasson's weapon.<ref>{{cite news |last=Clair |first=Michael |title=Bellinger became Viking for Assassin's Creed |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-stars-in-assassin-s-creed-valhalla |work=MLB.com |publisher=Advanced Media Group |date=December 7, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=May 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529175819/https://www.mlb.com/news/cody-bellinger-stars-in-assassin-s-creed-valhalla |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Latest revision as of 00:00, 21 December 2024
Cody Bellinger | |
---|---|
New York Yankees – No. 35 | |
Outfielder / First baseman | |
Born: Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S. | July 13, 1995|
Bats: Left Throws: Left | |
MLB debut | |
April 25, 2017, for the Los Angeles Dodgers | |
MLB statistics (through 2024 season) | |
Batting average | .259 |
Hits | 942 |
Home runs | 196 |
Runs batted in | 597 |
Stats at Baseball Reference | |
Teams | |
Career highlights and awards | |
|
Cody James Bellinger (born July 13, 1995) is an American professional baseball outfielder and first baseman for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. He was selected by the Dodgers in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB draft and debuted with them in 2017.
The son of MLB player Clay Bellinger, Bellinger helped his team reach the 2007 Little League World Series at the age of 11. He played high school baseball for Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona. Bellinger spent two years in the Rookie Leagues before joining the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in 2015, where he was a mid- and postseason all-star, and helped the team to a California League championship title. A hip injury delayed his rise through the Dodgers' farm system in 2016, but he was called up to the major leagues in April 2017 to bolster a struggling outfield.
Bellinger, setting a number of Dodgers single-season home run records, participated in both the 2017 MLB All-Star Game and in the Home Run Derby. He was named the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year after the season. The following year, he was named the MVP of the 2018 National League Championship Series following an extra innings walk-off single that helped take the Dodgers to the 2018 World Series. He received the NL MVP, Silver Slugger, and Gold Glove Awards in 2019, as well as his second All-Star selection. Bellinger won his first World Series title with the Dodgers in 2020 over the Tampa Bay Rays. However, a number of injuries to his shoulder, calf, and rib cage caused 2021 to be a career-worst year for Bellinger in home runs and batting average. After another down year in 2022, Bellinger was non-tendered by the Dodgers and eventually signed with the Cubs following the offseason.
Early life
[edit]Cody James Bellinger was born on July 13, 1995, in Scottsdale, Arizona,[1] to Clay and Jennifer Bellinger.[2] His mother works for Sotheby's International Realty,[3] while his father played for the New York Yankees and Anaheim Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1999 to 2002, winning two World Series in that span.[4] Clay Bellinger also coached the Chandler, Arizona National Little League team, for whom his son played when they went to the 2007 Little League World Series (LLWS). Cody was only 11 years old at the time, one year younger than most of his LLWS teammates, but he helped to clinch a berth in the series with a four-runs batted in (RBI) performance in the Little League West Regional. Chandler advanced to the LLWS in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, but was eliminated in the semifinals by teams from Lubbock, Texas and Warner Robins, Georgia.[5]
A few years later, Bellinger became a standout baseball player for Hamilton High School in Chandler. He was voted team MVP as both a junior and as a senior, and hit .429 in his senior season.[6] Although scouts from the Yankees invited Bellinger to a pre-draft practice, most baseball teams were uninterested in using a high draft pick on Bellinger, who stood 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) but weighed only 170 pounds (77 kg) in his final year of high school, and who hit only one home run that season.[7]
Professional career
[edit]Minor leagues (2013–17)
[edit]The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Bellinger in the fourth round, 124th overall, of the 2013 MLB Draft. At the time, he had committed to play college baseball for the Oregon Ducks.[8] Bellinger chose to forego his commitment to Oregon to sign with the Dodgers for a signing bonus of $700,000, approximately $300,000 more than what was recommended for a fourth-round draft pick.[9][10] He spent the season with the Rookie League AZL Dodgers, batting .210 in 162 at-bats, with one home run, 30 RBIs, and 25 runs scored.[11] He showed some difficulties with plate discipline, striking out 46 times in 47 games, but showed potential by drawing 31 walks and recording 16 extra-base hits.[12] He continued in Rookie ball the following season with the Ogden Raptors, batting .328 with 34 RBIs in 46 Pioneer League games.[13]
Assigned to the Class A-Advanced Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, the 2015 season was Bellinger's first full year in the minor leagues.[14] His prospect performance started to gain attention when, by June 11, he was fifth in the California League with 12 home runs, and was at least three years younger than every other top-five hitter. Although his .557 slugging percentage was comparatively low, this was due in part to the shape of the Rancho Cucamonga Epicenter, which limited home runs.[15] After making an appearance at the midseason California League All-Star Game,[16] Bellinger was also the selected designated hitter for the California League postseason All-Star team.[17] Following the regular minor league season, he helped the Quakes to a Cal League championship title, registering three extra-base hits, including the game-winning home run, to complete their sweep of the San Jose Giants.[18] For his performance, Bellinger was named the California League Championship Series MVP.[19] He batted .264 for the Quakes, recording 30 home runs, 103 RBIs, and 97 runs in 478 at bats.[11]
After a strong spring training performance in which he batted .393 in 18 games, Bellinger opened the 2016 season with the Double-A Tulsa Drillers of the Texas League.[20] He missed the first part of the Double-A season with a strained hip, and upon returning from the disabled list in May, Bellinger struggled to make contact, batting .150 through his first 50 at-bats. His drought snapped on May 16, with a walk-off grand slam against the Arkansas Travelers.[21] He spent the bulk of the season in Tulsa, batting .263 with 23 home runs and 65 RBIs in 114 games, but was promoted to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers on September 3, in advance of the Pacific Coast League playoffs.[22] He played in only three games for Oklahoma City that season, recording three home runs and six RBIs in the process.[11] Having missed a month of the season with his injured hip, Bellinger played for the Glendale Desert Dogs of the Arizona Fall League, earning All-Fall League team honors.[23] In 20 games with Glendale, Bellinger hit .314 with three home runs, eight doubles, and 17 RBIs, and he was named a member of the AFL Top Prospects Team.[24]
During the 2016–17 MLB offseason, Bellinger and fellow Dodgers prospect Jose De Leon received an invitation to the MLB/MLBPA Rookie Career Development Program in Leesburg, Virginia, where top prospects from each club spend four days learning about life in the major leagues.[25] He began the 2017 season with Oklahoma City, batting .343 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in the first 18 games of the year before receiving a call-up to Los Angeles.[26]
Los Angeles Dodgers (2017–22)
[edit]2017: NL Rookie of the Year
[edit]Faced with a struggling and injured outfield, the Dodgers called Bellinger up on April 25, 2017, giving him the start in left field and eighth position in the batting order for that night's game against the San Francisco Giants.[27] Bellinger scored his first major league hit that night, an infield ground ball towards third base. He was also the third Dodger since 1913 to be intentionally walked in his MLB debut, following Chico Fernández in 1956 and Dick Nen in 1963.[28] Four days later, Bellinger hit the first and second home runs of his major league career in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies, first in the seventh inning against Zach Eflin and again as the second of three consecutive home runs against closer Héctor Neris.[29][30] His first career grand slam came the following week on May 6, helping take the Dodgers to a 10–2 victory over the San Diego Padres and Bellinger to five home runs and 14 RBIs in his first 11 major league games.[31] With a total of nine home runs in May, Bellinger tied Joc Pederson and James Loney for the most home runs by a Dodgers rookie in one month of the season, and his total of 11 home runs in 32 games made him the fastest Dodgers rookie in history to reach that mark.[32]
A series of multi-home run games in June helped Bellinger set several team and MLB records. On June 13, Bellinger became the fastest player in MLB history to record four multi-home run games, doing so in 45 contests; the previous record was set by Bob Horner with 63 games in 1978. He was also the first Dodger to have consecutive multi-home run games since Adrián Beltré in 2004, and was the third Dodgers rookie to record at least four multi-home run games in one season.[33] In the first inning of an outing against the New York Mets on June 19, his 51st career MLB game, Bellinger tied Gary Sánchez and Wally Berger as the fastest players to reach 20 home runs. In the next inning, he recorded an additional solo shot against Zack Wheeler to become the fastest player to 21 home runs.[34] The following day, a first-inning hit off of Robert Gsellman helped Bellinger to become the first rookie in MLB history to record 10 home runs in a span of 10 games.[35] With his sixth two-home run game of the season on June 25, Bellinger passed Mike Piazza's team rookie record for most multi-home run games in one season, and led the NL with 24 total home runs.[36] He capped off the first half of the season with his first appearances in both the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and in the Home Run Derby.[37][38] At the latter, Bellinger hit 27 home runs across two rounds, defeating Charlie Blackmon before falling to Aaron Judge of the Yankees in the semifinals.[39]
While facing the Miami Marlins on July 15, Bellinger became the first Dodgers rookie in history to hit for the cycle, going 4-for-5 with a home run, three RBIs, and two runs.[40] With his 35th home run of the year on September 2, Bellinger tied Mike Piazza's Dodgers rookie record;[41] he broke Piazza's record the following day with a ninth-inning shot off of Padres closer Brad Hand.[42] On September 22, Bellinger's 39th career home run both helped the Dodgers clinch the NL West title over the San Francisco Giants and broke Wally Berger and Frank Robinson's record for the most National League (NL) home runs made by a rookie.[43] Bellinger finished his rookie MLB season hitting .267 with 39 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 87 runs scored in 480 at bats and 132 games.[44]
Bellinger's first MLB postseason began with the 2017 National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where his fifth-inning solo home run in Game 3 made him the youngest Dodger to hit a postseason home run in franchise history.[45] His next postseason home run came against Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs in Game 4 of the 2017 National League Championship Series (NLCS); in doing so, he became the youngest player to homer in a Championship Series game since the 20-year-old Miguel Cabrera did so in Game 7 of the 2003 NLCS.[46] Outside of home runs, however, Bellinger did not generate many hits: with three strikeouts in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series, Bellinger set the MLB record with 29 strikeouts in a single postseason run.[47] Despite the Dodgers falling to the Houston Astros in the World Series, Bellinger was the unanimous winner of the NL Rookie of the Year Award.[48]
2018: NLCS MVP
[edit]As he entered the 2018 MLB season, Bellinger was unfazed by the concept of a sophomore slump, in which an athlete's performance falters during their second professional season.[49] He hit the first home run of the season, a two-run shot off of Josh Osich of the Giants to spur the Dodgers to a 9–0 victory and end Bellinger's opening 0-for-11 skid.[50] That home run was also the 40th of Bellinger's career. He accomplished the feat in 136 games, making him the third-fastest MLB player to reach 40 career home runs.[1] Bellinger was unable to sustain his rookie momentum through the start of June, however, when manager Dave Roberts benched him on June 3, there were questions that Bellinger would be optioned back to the minors. Bellinger, meanwhile, used the benching to make a small adjustment to his stance in the batter's box, and he proceeded to record six hits in his next 13 at-bats, including home runs in four consecutive games.[51] He played in all 162 regular-season games that year, batting .260 with 25 home runs and 76 RBIs in 557 at bats.[44]
Bellinger helped the Dodgers to capture the NL West title with the go-ahead two-run home run in a tiebreaker game against the Colorado Rockies on October 1.[52] Once the Dodgers reached the 2018 postseason, however, he began to slump, not recording a hit in the four-game NLDS against the Atlanta Braves.[53][54] Although he did not hit often during the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers, the hits that Bellinger did have were impactful: his 10th-inning jumping catch in Game 4 kept the Dodgers alive, while a 13th-inning single in led the Dodgers towards a walk-off win. After hitting the go-ahead home run in Game 7 that clinched the National League pennant for the Dodgers, Bellinger was named the NLCS MVP for the 2018 season.[55] Despite receiving his NLCS honor, Bellinger started only two games in the 2018 World Series, with manager Dave Roberts preferring to platoon almost every position. He successfully reached base only once in the five-game series, on a single, and was later caught stealing.[56] The Dodgers lost the World Series to the Boston Red Sox in five games,[57] and Bellinger was benched in the elimination game, giving the right-handed Enrique Hernández the start against left-handed Boston pitcher David Price.[56][58]
2019: NL MVP
[edit]Bellinger started the 2019 season on a hot streak, leading MLB in runs, hits, batting average, and slugging percentage by the end of April. His 13th home run of the season came on April 27, breaking Matt Kemp's record for the most single-season home runs of any Dodger through the end of April. The home run also lifted Bellinger to 88 total bases by the end of April, three more than Chase Utley's 2008 record and the most of any batter in the live-ball era.[59] His 97 total bases, 37 RBIs, and 47 hits before May 1 were all MLB records, while his 32 runs scored and 14 home runs tied existing records.[60] Batting .431 in 132 plate appearances, Bellinger received his first Player of the Month honors for April 2019.[61]
By the All-Star break, Bellinger and Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers were the frontrunners for the NL MVP Award.[62] Bellinger led with 72 runs, 73 RBIs, a .334 average, and a .431 on-base percentage, while his 31 home runs, .687 slugging percentage, and 1.118 on-base plus slugging (OPS) were all slightly behind Yelich. Bellinger also led MLB with 6.7 Wins Above Replacement.[63] Bellinger received both his second All-Star game nod and his first All-Star start in 2019, opening the game in the NL outfield with Yelich and with Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves.[64] He also received an invitation to that year's Home Run Derby, but turned it down in order to have a day off from baseball before the All-Star game.[65]
During a particularly frustrating Freeway Series game on July 24, Bellinger received his first MLB game ejection after arguing with home plate umpire Dan Iassogna over balls and strikes. Bellinger justified his decision by saying, "I'm trying to do the best I can to get on base, and it's hard to hit like that."[66] On August 2, Bellinger hit his 100th career home run off of Eric Lauer of the San Diego Padres; he did so in only his 401st game, breaking Mike Piazza's Dodgers record of 422 games to 100 home runs.[67] Two weeks later, Bellinger became both the first MLB player of the 2019 season and the youngest Dodger in franchise history to record his 40th home run of the year.[68] Outside of these records, Bellinger's production began to slow after the All-Star break; he batted just .256 in the second half of the season, with a .906 OPS and only 13 home runs in the final 51 games of the year.[69] Part of this was due to conversations with Dodgers staff about ignoring the MVP race in favor of staying calm and building to the postseason. Additionally, pitchers began avoiding throwing strikes to Bellinger where possible; he had 86 walks by September 5, a league-leading 19 of which were intentional.[70] During that year's NLDS, the Washington Nationals bullpen capitalized on areas where Bellinger was comparatively weaker: he faced predominantly left-handed pitchers, who avoided throwing middle-of-the-road fastballs in favor of low and outside pitches that would let Bellinger either swing and miss, foul out, or take a walk.[71]
Bellinger finished the 2019 season with career highs in batting average (.305), home runs (47), and RBIs (115).[44] He also received a trifecta of MLB awards, taking home the MVP award, the NL Gold Glove Award, and the NL Silver Slugger Award. He was the first Dodger in club history to take home all three honors in the same season.[72] He also received two Fielding Bible Awards for his performance both in right field and as a multi-positional player in right field, center field, and at first base. With these titles, he became the first Dodgers outfielder to win any Fielding Bible Award and the first MLB player to pick up two in the same season.[73] Bellinger rounded out the 2019 awards season with a selection to the inaugural All-MLB First Team, joining Yelich and Mike Trout in the outfield.[74]
2020: World Series champions
[edit]During the 2019–20 MLB offseason, Bellinger signed an $11.5 million contract with the Dodgers for the 2020 season, breaking Kris Bryant's record for the largest single-season contract for a player in his first year eligible for arbitration.[75] When MLB announced the indefinite suspension of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bellinger went back to Arizona and focused on tweaking his swing in a "stress-free environment".[76] When the pandemic-shortened season began, Bellinger had a slow start, going 5-for-36 in his first eight games. Unlike in previous years, Bellinger was making weak contact with pitches, leading to a large number of groundouts.[77] His numbers for the whole season saw a drop-off from the previous year: in 56 games of the shortened season, Bellinger hit only .239, with a .789 OPS and only 12 home runs.[69] The 2020 season proved to be a struggle for many of MLB's top hitters: five of the 15 batters who showed the largest drop in slugging percentage were previous MVP winners or finalists, including Bellinger. Bellinger's drops in batting average and slugging percentage, the latter of which fell from .670 in 2019 to .354 in 2020, were explained by his constant experimentation with his swing, which prevented him from locking into pitches the way he had the season prior.[78] Bellinger was once again a finalist for a Gold Glove Award in the outfield, but the award ultimately went to Trent Grisham of the San Diego Padres.[79]
The Dodgers were the first team to clinch a playoff berth in the 2020 season, developing a commanding lead over the NL West by September 16.[80] They finished at the top of their division and went on to sweep the Brewers at the 2020 National League Wild Card Series.[81] From there, the Dodgers faced the Padres in the 2020 NLDS, where Bellinger's defensive play in Game 2 allowed Los Angeles to hang onto their 4–3 lead and take the game. In the seventh inning, with Grisham on second base, Bellinger made a jumping catch to rob Fernando Tatis Jr. of a two-run home run.[82] The 2020 NLCS started with the Dodgers down 3–1 in four games, but they were able to mount a comeback and push the series to seven games. Bellinger scored the go-ahead home run in that final game, clinching the Dodgers' place in the 2020 World Series.[83] There, the Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in six games for Bellinger's first World Series championship and the Dodgers' first since 1988.[84] Despite injuring his shoulder during the NLCS, Bellinger continued to play in the World Series, and he celebrated his Game 1 home run by foot-tapping his teammates rather than high-fiving them.[85] After the season, Bellinger signed a one-year, $16.1 million contract with the Dodgers for the 2021 season.[86]
2021: Injuries and regression
[edit]Bellinger, who had repeatedly injured his right shoulder by diving for ground balls throughout his professional baseball career, underwent surgery for the affected arm in November 2020. He revealed later that while celebrating his NLCS-winning home run that October, he had dislocated his shoulder by connecting too strongly with teammate Enrique Hernández' arm.[87] Bellinger's recovery from the arthroscopic glenoid labrum surgery progressed ahead of schedule, and he was able to join the Dodgers for spring training in 2021.[88] He suffered another serious injury on April 6 after colliding with Oakland Athletics pitcher Reymin Guduan.[89] Bellinger was initially placed on the 10-day injured list before medical scans revealed that he had suffered a hairline fracture in his left fibula.[90] He returned on May 29, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in an 11–6 loss to the Giants, but a sixth-inning walk allowed Bellinger to extend his on-base streak to 20 games.[91]
Bellinger's return from injury was marked by a career-worst offensive performance. In his first 11 games back, he struck out 14 times while recording only one extra-base hit.[92] While his defense remained sharp in center field, by July 23, Bellinger was batting under .200 both at home and on the road.[93] He admitted in August that his poor batting was due to lingering pain and weakness from both the shoulder and leg injuries, and Bellinger's batting grew stronger as he continued to exercise the affected areas.[94] At the end of the month, Roberts decided to relegate Bellinger to a platoon role in the outfield, starting A. J. Pollock, Mookie Betts, or Chris Taylor against left-handed pitchers.[95] Injuries to Pollock and Taylor, however, forced the Dodgers to renege on that platoon system shortly after its introduction.[96] Bellinger suffered his third major injury of the season in September, when a collision with teammate Gavin Lux resulted in a fractured rib. By the time of the collision, Bellinger had already missed 46 games that season with his fractured fibula, and an additional seven with hamstring tightness.[97] Bellinger finished the regular season batting a career-low .165, with ten home runs and 36 RBIs in 315 at bats.[44]
In the Wild Card Game against the St. Louis Cardinals, he reached base three times and stole twice.[98] In Game 2 of the NLDS match against division rivals the San Francisco Giants, Bellinger's two-RBI double provided the go-ahead runs for an ultimate 9–2 rout of San Francisco.[99] Bellinger's game-winning RBI single in Game 5 of the NLDS not only helped the Dodgers to defeat the Giants and advance to the NLCS, but it helped him tie Manny Ramirez and Gene Tenace's record of three career go-ahead hits in winner-take-all games.[100] In Game 3 of the NLCS, the Dodgers were down 5–2 against the Atlanta Braves when Bellinger hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning. After Bellinger tied the game and cleared the bases, a single and stolen base from Chris Taylor, followed by an RBI double from Mookie Betts, helped the Dodgers win the game 6–5. The home run pitch from Luke Jackson, a 96 mph (154 km/h) fastball, crossed the plate while 4.12 feet (1.26 m) above the ground, making it very difficult to hit. It was Bellinger's first home run of the season that had been thrown outside the strike zone. Dave Roberts told reporters after the game that "it's just hard to imagine a bigger hit".[101] Although the Dodgers went on to lose to the Braves in six games,[102] Bellinger recorded 12 hits and seven RBIs in 34 postseason at bats.[44]
2022: Final season in LA
[edit]On December 23, Bellinger signed a $17 million contract with the Dodgers, avoiding salary arbitration.[103] In 2022, Bellinger had the lowest on-base percentage of all qualified hitters in the majors at .265, he also had a .210 batting average with 19 home runs and 68 RBIs[104] and struck out 150 times in 504 at-bats.[105] After the season, the Dodgers non-tendered him, making him a free agent.[106]
Chicago Cubs (2023–2024)
[edit]2023: NL Comeback Player of the Year
[edit]On December 14, 2022, Bellinger signed a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2024 with the Chicago Cubs.[107] Bellinger was named the National League Player of the Month for July 2023. He had eight home runs, 24 RBIs, and had a .400 batting average over that span.[108] For the season, he had a .307 batting average and hit 26 home runs while driving in 97 RBI.[44]
2024
[edit]On November 3, 2023, Bellinger declined his mutual option and became a free agent.[109] On February 27, 2024, he re-signed with the Cubs on a three-year, $80 million contract containing opt-out clauses after each of the first two seasons.[110] Bellinger finished the 2024 season with a .266 average, 18 home runs, and 78 RBIs, and exercised the option on his contract for the 2025 season.[111]
New York Yankees
[edit]On December 17, 2024, the Cubs traded Bellinger with $5 million in cash considerations to the New York Yankees in exchange for Cody Poteet.[112]
Batting style
[edit]Bellinger, originally much weaker while batting than fielding became a power hitter after making a change to his batting stance during the 2014–15 offseason. Working with Shawn Wooten and Damon Mashore, Bellinger incorporated a small hand and wrist movement into his "load phase", which prepared him to make strong contact with the ball.[113] In response to concerns that he was "standing too tall and straight-legged" in the batter's box during the 2018 season, making it difficult to build momentum,[114] Bellinger made a number of other changes during the 2018–19 offseason, including adopting a more relaxed position at the plate and aiming to hit under breaking balls rather than over.[115] These changes, coupled with showing greater discretion in choosing when to swing, helped Bellinger make contact more frequently and with greater power during his MVP season.[116]
Awards and honors
[edit]Award | Season(s) | Ref. |
---|---|---|
MLB | ||
World Series champion | 2020 | [84] |
NL All-Star | 2019, 2017 | [37][64] |
All-MLB First Team | 2019 | [74] |
NL Most Valuable Player | 2019 | [72] |
NL Silver Slugger Award | 2019 | [72] |
NL Gold Glove Award | 2019 | [72] |
Fielding Bible Award | 2019 (x2) | [73] |
NLCS Most Valuable Player | 2018 | [55] |
NL Rookie of the Year | 2017 | [48] |
MLB Players Choice NL Outstanding Rookie | 2017 | [117] |
Baseball America Major League All-Rookie Team | 2017 | [118] |
Home Run Derby participant | 2017 | [38] |
MiLB | ||
Arizona Fall League Top Prospects Team | 2016 | [24] |
All-Arizona Fall League Team | 2016 | [23] |
Baseball America Double-A All-Star | 2016 | [1] |
California League Championship Series Most Valuable Player | 2015 | [19] |
California League Post-Season All-Star | 2015 | [17] |
California League Mid-Season All-Star | 2015 | [16] |
Personal life
[edit]Bellinger has one brother, Cole, who is four years his junior. A standout pitcher for Hamilton High School, Cole was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 15th round of the 2017 MLB Draft.[119] Cole played for two seasons in the Padres farm system before retiring from baseball in 2021.[120] Bellinger has two daughters with wife Chase Carter, born November 2021 and April 2023.[121][122][123]
A character inspired by Bellinger makes a cameo appearance in the video game Assassin's Creed Valhalla. The player character must defeat Viking Otta Sluggasson, who wields a tree trunk like a baseball bat, during one story section.[124] Bellinger, an avid gamer, recorded his movements using motion capture technology, with his own baseball bat serving as Sluggasson's weapon.[125]
See also
[edit]- List of people from Chandler, Arizona
- List of second-generation Major League Baseball players
- Los Angeles Dodgers award winners and league leaders
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- ^ Rogers, Jesse (April 25, 2023). "Cubs' Bellinger to paternity list; Velazquez recalled". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
- ^ Williams, Blake (October 22, 2022). "Dodgers News: Cody Bellinger & Chase Carter Expecting Second Child". Dodger Blue. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
- ^ Alipour, Sam (November 4, 2020). "Dodgers' Cody Bellinger on World Series win, Lakers co-celebration, and appearance in the new Assassin's Creed". ESPN. Archived from the original on July 27, 2021. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
- ^ Clair, Michael (December 7, 2020). "Bellinger became Viking for Assassin's Creed". MLB.com. Advanced Media Group. Archived from the original on May 29, 2021. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
External links
[edit]- Career statistics from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet
- 1995 births
- Living people
- American people of French descent
- American people of German descent
- American people of Greek descent
- Arizona League Dodgers players
- Baseball players from Scottsdale, Arizona
- Chicago Cubs players
- Glendale Desert Dogs players
- Gold Glove Award winners
- Hamilton High School (Chandler, Arizona) alumni
- Iowa Cubs players
- Los Angeles Dodgers players
- Major League Baseball first basemen
- Major League Baseball outfielders
- Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award winners
- National League All-Stars
- National League Championship Series MVPs
- National League Most Valuable Player Award winners
- Ogden Raptors players
- Oklahoma City Dodgers players
- Rancho Cucamonga Quakes players
- Silver Slugger Award winners
- Sportspeople of Greek descent
- Tulsa Drillers players