Cody Bellinger, Once a Non-Tendered Player, Shines as MLB All-Star Game MVP

Cody Bellinger, once a Major League Baseball star and later a non-tendered player, has once again shone brightest on the All-Star stage. The 31-year-old New York Yankees outfielder was named MVP of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game on July 15 (KST) at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

Bellinger drove in the decisive runs in the American League's 4-0 victory, hitting a two-run single in the first inning. The American League offense struck early against National League starter Cristopher Sánchez. With the bases loaded and two outs, Bellinger’s single to center field brought home two runs, extending the lead to 3-0. It marked the first time since 1962 that two teammates from the same club recorded RBIs in the same All-Star Game inning.

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We were all baseball-crazy kids growing up. Every time we play in the All-Star Game, we're all like little kids with big dreams in our hearts.

The game then turned into a pitchers' duel. The American League used 11 pitchers, who combined to hold the National League to just three hits and no runs, striking out 15 batters. The National League did not have a runner reach second base all game. A solo home run in the eighth inning by Miguel Vargas of the Chicago White Sox sealed the victory.

For Bellinger, this MVP award carries extra significance. He has experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows of his baseball career. As a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, he won NL Rookie of the Year in 2017 and the NL MVP in 2019. He also won a World Series in 2020. However, injuries and slumps followed, leading to a .165 batting average in 2021. The Dodgers non-tendered him after the 2022 season, forcing the former MVP to find a new team.

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Wearing the All-Star uniform, it feels prideful. It's a uniform that means a lot.

Bellinger rebuilt his career, earning the NL Comeback Player of the Year award with the Chicago Cubs in 2023. He was traded to the Yankees before the 2025 season and signed a five-year, $162.5 million contract before the current season. Now, he stands as the All-Star Game MVP just seven years after his MVP season.

His father, Clay Bellinger, a former MLB player and two-time World Series champion with the Yankees, watched from the stands. Bellinger also engaged with young fans, tossing them baseballs during breaks, creating memorable moments for them. "We were all baseball-crazy kids growing up," Bellinger said, watching his daughters play on the field after the game. "Every time we play in the All-Star Game, we're all like little kids with big dreams in our hearts." He added, "Wearing the All-Star uniform, it feels prideful. It's a uniform that means a lot." He concluded, "I just try to give my best every day and leave it all out there."

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I just try to give my best every day and leave it all out there.