Cody Bellinger – New York Yankees Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Cody Bellinger’s story is one of transformation—he went from a Dodgers prodigy to a Yankees star by showing resilience and adaptability at every turn. The former National League MVP made an immediate splash, snagging Rookie of the Year in 2017 and then lighting up the league with an MVP campaign in 2019 for the Los Angeles Dodgers. After a few tough years, Bellinger found his groove again with the Chicago Cubs before inking a deal with the New York Yankees for 2025, where he’ll pocket $27.5 million.

Bellinger’s net worth sits around $5 million as of 2024, built mostly on his baseball contracts. His last big one—a three-year, $80 million deal with the Cubs—paid him an average of $26.6 million per year. His career earnings really tell a story: he went from rookie phenom to established vet, battled through slumps, and kept his place in a league that doesn’t exactly go easy on struggling stars.

He’s a two-time All-Star who’s bounced back from some serious lows, clawing his way back to the top tier of outfielders. The Yankees clearly believe in him—his mix of power hitting and defensive flexibility makes him a hot commodity even after all these years.

Early Life and Baseball Background

Cody James Bellinger was born July 13, 1995, in Scottsdale, Arizona, and honestly, baseball was already in his blood. You can see how those early days—surrounded by the game—set the stage for everything that followed.

Family and Childhood

Baseball wasn’t just a pastime in the Bellinger house. Cody’s dad, Clay Bellinger, played in the majors and picked up three World Series rings with the Yankees and Angels. That kind of legacy gave Cody a front-row seat to the game’s ins and outs before he was even in high school.

Growing up in Scottsdale, he spent his childhood hanging around ballparks, taking batting practice with his dad, and soaking up the details of the game. The family cared a lot about both sports and school, so Cody learned discipline and drive early on—qualities that shaped who he became on and off the field.

High School and Amateur Career

At Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona, Bellinger quickly stood out as a baseball player. He played both first base and outfield, and those positions would later become his bread and butter in the big leagues.

College scouts and pro teams started paying attention when he hit .353 as a junior, then bumped it up to .429 as a senior, showing real pop in his bat. He played in amateur tournaments and showcases too, making a name for himself around the baseball community. Though he committed to the University of Oregon, he ended up taking a different route when the pros came calling.

Draft and Entry Into Professional Baseball

The Los Angeles Dodgers picked Bellinger in the fourth round (124th overall) of the 2013 MLB Draft. Even though he’d committed to college, 17-year-old Bellinger decided to sign with the Dodgers and jump right into pro ball.

He got a $700,000 signing bonus, which showed the Dodgers really believed in his potential—even if he was a skinny 6’4″ kid at the time. They sent him to the Arizona League Dodgers, where he started his climb up the minor league ladder.

In his first pro season, Bellinger hit .210 in 47 games. He definitely had to adjust, but he flashed the power and glove work that would later make him famous. Those early years in the minors gave him the experience he needed and set him up for that Rookie of the Year breakout.

Professional Career Overview

Cody Bellinger has had a wild ride since his MLB debut in 2017—highs, lows, and everything in between. His journey is a mix of raw talent, tough transitions, and a knack for bouncing back.

Rise with the Los Angeles Dodgers

Bellinger burst onto the scene when the Dodgers called him up from Oklahoma City in April 2017. He didn’t waste any time, smashing 39 home runs as a rookie—a new National League record—and winning Rookie of the Year unanimously.

At 6’3″, the lefty kept getting better in 2018, showing off his glove at both first base and center field. By 2019, he hit his stride: .305 batting average, 47 homers, 115 RBIs.

That season earned him the NL MVP, a second All-Star nod, and a Silver Slugger. He was also huge in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series win, helping them finally break their 32-year drought.

Accolades and Achievements

Bellinger’s trophy shelf filled up fast. Besides the 2019 MVP, he earned:

• 2017 NL Rookie of the Year (unanimous)
• 2-time All-Star (2017, 2019)
• Silver Slugger (2019)
• Gold Glove (2019)
• NLCS MVP (2018)

He made a name for himself as a guy who could play anywhere and swing for the fences. Even after injuries and some rough seasons post-2019, his resume stacks up with the best young stars of his era. Power, speed, defense—he brought it all.

Stints with the Chicago Cubs

After injuries and a dip in production, Bellinger and the Dodgers split after 2022. He signed a one-year deal with the Cubs in 2023, hoping to reset his career.

The move paid off—Bellinger bounced back in Chicago, looking more like his old MVP self. That comeback earned him a three-year, $80 million contract with the Cubs, averaging $26.6 million a year.

His time in Chicago was about redemption. He brought power, defense, and steady leadership to a young Cubs team that needed a boost.

Playing Style and Impact

Cody Bellinger’s game is all about versatility—he brings power, speed, and defense in a way you just don’t see every day. That flexibility has made him a key piece wherever he’s played.

Position Versatility: First Base and Center Field

Bellinger’s athleticism lets him shine at both first base and center field, which is pretty rare in the majors. At 6’4″, he covers a ton of ground and moves between infield and outfield like it’s nothing.

With the Dodgers, he’d often switch positions mid-game, giving his managers lots of options. At first base, he’s got good stretch and reacts quickly to hard-hit balls. In center field, he takes strong routes and his arm has gotten a lot better over the years—what used to be a weakness turned into a strength. That kind of versatility gives teams all sorts of lineup flexibility.

Offensive Contributions and Statistics

Bellinger’s got that classic lefty swing—fast bat, a little uppercut, lots of loft. His 2019 season was ridiculous: .305 average, 47 homers, 115 RBIs.

He’s kept up solid numbers with the Cubs, including 26 home runs in a more balanced approach. His WRC+ has bounced around, but when he’s healthy, he’s well above league average.

People don’t always notice his speed, but Bellinger regularly swipes 20 bases a year with a great success rate. That combo of power and speed keeps pitchers and defenses on edge.

Defensive Skills and WAR

Bellinger’s defense really boosts his value. In center field, he shows fantastic range, turning tough plays into outs with his closing speed and instincts.

At first base, he’s got quick feet and soft hands, usually ranking above average in defensive stats. He saves a lot of errant throws, which makes the whole infield better.

His versatility and defense have driven his WAR (Wins Above Replacement) to elite levels—he’s topped 7.0 in his best years, which is no joke. Multiple seasons of positive Defensive Runs Saved at both positions show he’s more than just a bat—he’s a complete player.

Major Contracts and Earnings

Cody Bellinger’s bank account has seen some serious swings, thanks to big contracts that reflect his place as a top player. He’s gone through arbitration, championship bonuses, and free agency deals with multiple teams.

Contract History with Dodgers and Cubs

Bellinger started out with the Dodgers, making smaller salaries at first. After his 2019 MVP, his pay jumped in arbitration.

In 2021, he and the Dodgers agreed on a one-year, $16.1 million deal to avoid arbitration. But after an injury-filled season, the Dodgers let him go in 2022.

He hit free agency and took a one-year “prove it” deal with the Cubs for $17.5 million (including a mutual option). After his big year in Chicago, he was in line for a much bigger payday.

The Three-Year, $80 Million Deal

On February 25, 2024, Bellinger landed a three-year, $80 million contract with the Cubs. The deal had two player opt-outs, so he could test free agency again if things went well.

Here’s how it broke down:

• Year 1 (2024): $27.5 million
• Year 2 (2025): $27.5 million
• Year 3 (2026): $25 million

After 2024, Bellinger used his first opt-out and signed with the New York Yankees, where he’ll make $27.5 million in 2025.

The deal puts him among the higher earners in baseball, even if it’s not quite at the very top.

Free Agency and Market Value

Cody Bellinger’s free agency saga has been one of the more intriguing stories in baseball lately. He went from getting non-tendered to locking in a huge contract in just two years—a pretty wild turnaround, if you ask me.

First Experience as a Free Agent

Bellinger found himself a free agent sooner than expected after the Dodgers non-tendered him following the 2022 season. Injuries and mechanical issues had derailed his MVP-level performance, and the team decided to move on.

The Cubs saw an opportunity and signed him to a one-year, $17.5 million “prove it” deal with a mutual option. This short-term contract gave Bellinger a shot to rebuild his value, while Chicago got a player with real upside.

That bet worked out better than most anticipated. In 2023, Bellinger bounced back in a big way, hitting .307 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs. He finished with a 4.4 WAR season, which was valued at about $12.36 million in on-field performance.

Offseason Negotiations and Boras Corporation

Bellinger’s choice to work with the Boras Corporation proved to be a game-changer during free agency. Scott Boras, famous for his tough negotiating style, pitched Bellinger as a premium multi-position talent.

Boras made sure teams noticed Bellinger’s ability to play both outfield and first base, his Gold Glove defense, baserunning, and his resurgent bat. That full package became the foundation of their talks.

The 2023-2024 offseason featured drawn-out negotiations with several teams in the mix. The Cubs wanted to keep Bellinger, but the slow pace of the market let Boras push for maximum value.

They leaned hard on Bellinger’s age (just 28 at the time) and his MVP ceiling to secure an $80 million commitment.

Market Comparisons with Top Free Agents

Bellinger’s market value landed him in an interesting spot among free agents. He didn’t get the massive deals that Shohei Ohtani or Juan Soto pulled in, but he still scored an average annual salary of $26,666,667.

Here’s how he compared:

Player	Age	Contract	AAV
Cody Bellinger	28	3 years, $80M	$26.7M
Matt Chapman	30	6 years, $151M	$25.2M
Anthony Santander	29	5 years, $97M	$19.4M

Bellinger’s defensive flexibility definitely boosted his market. Teams liked that he could play multiple spots. And left-handed power? That’s always at a premium, especially as teams try to balance their lineups more than ever. It’s a real asset.

Opt-Out Clauses and Short-Term Deals

Bellinger’s contract with the Chicago Cubs really highlights the modern trend toward player-friendly flexibility. The three-year deal came with opt-outs, letting him test free agency again if he outplays the contract.

This setup gives the Cubs less long-term risk, and Bellinger can chase another big payday if he keeps performing. If he stays hot, he can hit the market while he’s still in his prime.

The Cubs handed over $80 million guaranteed to land Bellinger, showing real faith in his turnaround. But the shorter deal length keeps them safe if things go south.

Bellinger’s contract is a snapshot of how MLB deals are shifting—shorter terms, higher annual values, and more player options, especially for guys with big upside but recent question marks.

Contractual Impact on MLB Teams

Cody Bellinger’s contracts have made a real impact on how MLB teams approach their rosters and finances. His mix of defensive versatility and offensive potential puts his deals under the microscope for a lot of front offices.

Chicago Cubs’ Long-Term Plans

The Cubs made a big move by signing Bellinger to a three-year, $80 million contract in February 2024. After his strong 2023 season, they believed he could anchor their lineup.

For Chicago, this deal fits their window to compete in the NL Central. Their first one-year, $17.5 million gamble paid off, so rolling the dice again on a longer deal seemed worth it.

The opt-out clauses give both sides flexibility. The Cubs don’t have to commit for ages, but they still get a prime-age player for their core.

Potential Suitors: New York Yankees and Others

The Yankees have popped up as a likely future destination for Bellinger. If he joins the Bronx Bombers, he’d pull in $27.5 million in 2025.

Why the interest? The Yankees are always hunting for championship-caliber pieces, and Bellinger’s lefty power would fit perfectly in Yankee Stadium’s short right field.

Other contenders have kept an eye on him too. With the ability to play center field or first base at a high level, Bellinger gives teams options if they need to plug a gap.

Luxury Tax Considerations

Bellinger’s salary hits teams’ luxury tax numbers hard. That $27.5 million annual value in 2025 would eat up a big chunk of any payroll threshold.

For luxury tax purposes, the contract’s average annual value (about $26.7 million) counts against the competitive balance tax, no matter how the money gets split up each year.

The Cubs structured Bellinger’s deal to keep their options open. The Yankees, if they add him, have to weigh how it affects their already massive payroll.

Teams that go over the luxury tax get hit with bigger and bigger penalties, so signing someone like Bellinger isn’t just about talent—it’s a strategic decision.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Cody Bellinger has built up some real wealth, thanks to his MLB contracts and a handful of business deals. His financial portfolio includes hefty career earnings and endorsement money that’s made him one of baseball’s more successful earners.

Estimated Career Earnings

Bellinger’s net worth sits around $5 million as of 2025. Most of that comes from his baseball contracts, especially his latest one.

In 2024, he signed with the Cubs for $27.5 million for the season, with opt-outs and possible extra payments that could bump that number even higher.

Over his career, Bellinger has pulled in about $80 million in salary. Scott Boras and the Boras Corporation manage his money and negotiate his deals—never shy about chasing the biggest possible contract.

Sponsorships and Endorsement Deals

On top of his baseball checks, Bellinger boosts his income with some well-chosen endorsement deals. His marketability really took off after he won the NL MVP and helped the Dodgers win a World Series.

He’s partnered with:

• Major athletic apparel companies
• Sports equipment brands
• Both regional and national ad campaigns

Bellinger’s clean-cut reputation and on-field success make him a favorite with sponsors. His social media also gives brands a platform for sponsored content.

He doesn’t just take every deal that comes his way—he’s pretty selective, focusing on products that fit his athletic image. These endorsements add a nice chunk to his baseball earnings and put him in a good spot financially among MLB players.

Personal Life

Off the field, Cody Bellinger keeps things pretty grounded, focusing on family and giving back to the community.

Family and Relationships

Born July 13, 1995, in Scottsdale, Arizona, Bellinger grew up in a baseball family. His dad, Clay Bellinger, played in the majors and won World Series rings with the Yankees.

Bellinger’s relationship with model Chase Carter began in 2020, and the couple welcomed their daughter Caiden in November 2021. They keep things mostly private, despite their public jobs.

He doesn’t share much about his family life, but every now and then, he’ll post a glimpse on social media. That separation helps him stay focused on baseball while still being present for his loved ones.

Philanthropy and Off-Field Interests

Bellinger regularly takes part in charity work. During his time with the Dodgers, he showed up for Dodgers Foundation events and supported youth baseball in underserved areas.

He’s supported:

• Youth baseball programs
• Children’s hospitals
• Local food banks in the cities where he’s played

Away from baseball and charity, Bellinger likes golf, video games, and just being outdoors. He’s a big gamer—sometimes playing with teammates on the road.

He’s even dipped a toe into fashion, showing up at industry events when his schedule allows. All these interests give him some balance outside the pressures of pro ball.

Recent Seasons and Current Status

Cody Bellinger’s career has taken some wild turns since he left the Dodgers. His performance and teams have changed, shaping his current place in Major League Baseball.

2023 Season with the Cubs

Bellinger’s move to the Cubs in 2023 was a turning point. After his rough final years with the Dodgers, he signed a one-year contract in Chicago that changed everything.

He bounced back, slashing .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs. That performance earned him the NL Comeback Player of the Year and put him back on the map.

On defense, he played both center field and first base, giving the Cubs real flexibility. His left-handed swing and power returned, making him one of the league’s more exciting bats again.

That big year set him up nicely for his next contract.

Performance in the 2024 Campaign

Riding the momentum from his comeback, Bellinger re-signed with the Cubs for 2024 on a three-year, $80 million deal. The contract included player opt-outs after each season, so he kept his options open.

Early in 2024, he kept showing off his offensive skills, though his numbers dipped a bit from the previous year. He still hit for power and drove in runs.

Injuries did crop up and limited his time on the field at points, but he continued to play both outfield and first base when healthy.

By midseason, trade rumors started swirling as the Cubs evaluated their playoff chances. Those rumors only grew as the deadline approached.

Preparations for the 2025 Season

Bellinger made another big move by opting out of his Cubs contract and signing with the Yankees for 2025. He’s set to earn $27.5 million in New York, showing he’s still a hot commodity.

Spring training with the Yankees has focused on working him into the lineup and figuring out whether he’ll play center field or first base. The coaches have been tweaking his swing mechanics, trying to keep him consistent in the hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium.

Expectations are sky-high as he joins a stacked Yankees lineup. He’s been working on staying healthy, with custom conditioning programs to keep him on the field all season.

Notable Teammates and Rivalries

Cody Bellinger’s career has been full of standout teammates and some pretty intense rivalries. Whether he’s in the dugout with stars or squaring off against big-name opponents, these relationships have shaped his journey and given fans plenty to talk about.

Influential Teammates

Bellinger’s time in the majors has thrown him into clubhouses packed with talent. When he played for the Dodgers, he really clicked with several stars, and that chemistry helped him level up. He and Mookie Betts, for example, made a strong defensive pair in the outfield—honestly, they just made each other better.

In 2023, Bellinger landed with the Chicago Cubs and quickly built solid connections with Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner. Now with the New York Yankees, he’s sharing a clubhouse with some of the biggest names in baseball.

Aaron Judge, in particular, has kind of taken Bellinger under his wing. Both bring serious power to the Yankees lineup, and together, they might be one of the scariest slugging duos out there.

Giancarlo Stanton and Bellinger have also hit it off, often talking about hitting approaches and tweaking their swings together.

High-Profile Opponents

Bellinger’s career has included some can’t-miss matchups. His showdowns with Shohei Ohtani always draw attention—especially now that Ohtani wears Dodger blue. There’s a special kind of energy when those two face each other.

Carlos Correa stands out as another big rival, especially after all the drama between the Dodgers and Astros. Their battles have had extra tension since the 2017 World Series controversy.

Whenever Bellinger faces the Minnesota Twins, he seems to find another gear. His history with their pitching staff goes back to interleague games and still makes for great baseball.

Juan Soto is another fun matchup. Before they became Yankees teammates, Bellinger and Soto put on some pretty epic head-to-head battles—two young stars just going at it.

Career Challenges and Comebacks

Cody Bellinger’s baseball path hasn’t exactly been smooth. He’s dealt with injuries and wild swings in performance, testing his resilience at every turn.

Injuries and Setbacks

Injuries have thrown some serious wrenches into Bellinger’s career. In 2020, he dislocated his right shoulder celebrating during the NLCS, and the surgery that followed made his 2021 season rough.

That shoulder recovery dragged on longer than anyone hoped, and it forced him to change up his swing. Things got worse in 2021 when he fractured his left fibula and missed nearly two months.

Trying to play through all this, Bellinger struggled to find his rhythm at the plate. The Dodgers, facing tough choices, decided not to tender him a contract after 2022—a pretty shocking move for a former MVP.

Performance Fluctuations

After Bellinger won the 2019 NL MVP, his numbers just fell off a cliff. His batting average dropped from .305 in 2019 to .165 in 2021, and his OPS tanked, too.

That slump meant less playing time and a lot more pressure. But in 2023, he turned things around with the Cubs, snagging the Players Choice NL Comeback Player award. He hit .307, launched 26 home runs, and drove in 97 runs.

That bounce-back earned him a three-year, $80 million contract with the Cubs. People had pretty much counted him out, but he proved them wrong. Reinventing himself like that? It takes real mental toughness.

Legacy and Future Outlook

Bellinger’s career is still unfolding, but he’s already one of the most interesting players of his era. He’s got defensive versatility, serious power, and a knack for bouncing back—his story keeps getting more compelling.

Long-Term Impact on MLB

Bellinger has already left his mark on the game. That 2019 MVP season showed just how dominant he could be, both at the plate and in the field. Teams now look for guys who can handle multiple positions and still rake, partly because of what Bellinger’s shown.

His comeback with the Cubs in 2023 was a masterclass in resilience, earning him the NL Comeback Player of the Year and leading to that big $80 million contract before he joined the Yankees.

Bellinger’s constant adjustments and willingness to change his swing are a blueprint for players facing tough times. Not everyone’s willing to reinvent themselves after early success, but Bellinger’s commitment to improvement stands out.

Prospects for a World Series Title and MVP Honors

Bellinger joining the Yankees really amps up his odds for another World Series title. New York has a powerful lineup and championship expectations that just seem to click with Bellinger’s best years. The 2025 salary of $27.5 million really shows the team trusts him to deliver when it matters most.

At 29, Bellinger’s still right in his athletic prime, and honestly, another MVP run doesn’t feel out of reach. He brings a rare mix of power, speed, and strong defense, so there’s more than one way for him to rack up value.

But let’s be real—staying healthy is the big question. His injury history could easily get in the way of another elite season.