Friday Featured Athlete: Los Angeles Dodgers Star Cody Bellinger

Although currently playing at an MVP level, Cody Bellinger's Los Angeles Dodgers career didn't get off to the start one would predict but he's quickly become one of the bright young stars in MLB today.

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft, Cody Bellinger batted just .210 while striking out 46 times in 47 games. However, the potential and power were evident and Los Angeles Dodgers fans were still anticipating great things from the prospect.

Despite his initial struggles, Cody Bellinger rose quickly through the Los Angeles Dodgers minor league ranks, eventually making his MLB debut in 2017. In just his first professional MLB game, Cody Bellinger made history by becoming the third Los Angeles Dodgers player to be intentionally walked in his debut.

The young baseball star held a.267 batting average, hit 39 home runs and had 97 RBIs. He was named to the 2017 MLB All-Star game and took home National League Rookie of the Year honors.

In 2018, Cody Bellinger followed up his NL Rookie of the Year campaign with another successful season. While playing multiple positions for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cody Bellinger hit 25 home runs, had a .260 batting average, drove in 76 runs and added 14 stolen bases. In the playoffs, Cody Bellinger was named the 2018 NLCS MVP after his late-game heroics helped lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to another World Series appearance.

Cody Bellinger's 2019 season has been perhaps his most impressive to date. Currently, Cody Bellinger holds a .356 batting average, has 27 home runs, 64 RBIs and it's not even July 1. Unsurprisingly, Cody Bellinger earned another All-Star nod and is in the midst of an NL MVP race with Milwaukee Brewers star Christian Yellich.

Catch Cody Bellinger in our MLB All-Star Ultimate Mystery Box and additional Los Angeles Dodgers items available at UltimateAutographs.com.

(Cover Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)