San Diego Padres: Dodger standout Bellinger’s brother selected by Padres

The San Diego Padres selected a familiar name in the 15th round of the MLB draft on Wednesday, taking the younger brother of the Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger.

The San Diego Padres continue to make noteworthy picks in this year’s draft. Even when it’s the 15th round and the pick seems insignificant, San Diego found a way to make news by selecting Cole Bellinger.

Cole is the younger brother of Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a rookie who is already in the conversation for National League Rookie of the Year. This alone makes the idea of his younger brother joining the organization as a young prospect all the more intriguing.

Cody has drove in 39 runs and leads NL rookies with 17 home runs. His power and clutch hitting ability are what makes him standout in the Dodgers’ lineup.

But Cole is much different. At just 17 years old, the right-handed pitcher has committed to Grand Canyon University, and can also play the infield. Leading his high school to a state championship, the youngster has performed at a high level at whatever position he has played.

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He isn’t the power hitter his older brother is, but shows promise as a pitcher. Following the footsteps of both Cody and his father Clay, who played with the Angels and Yankees, Major League Baseball is in Bellinger’s DNA.

It sure didn’t hurt that Cody has burst on to the major league scene right in front of general manager A.J. Preller and company’s very eyes. Competing in the NL West division, the Padres are as familiar as anyone of the power hitter’s incredible success in the majors.

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It is also worth noting that Logan White, now a member of San Diego’s front office, was the Dodgers’ scouting director in 2013 when the older Bellinger was drafted. Whether or not there is a correlation, we can’t be sure at the moment. But what comes without a doubt is that the Bellinger name has a strong reputation.

Cody himself was drafted in the fourth round in 2013 by the Dodgers, and quickly ascended through the ranks of their minor league system. The Padres are hoping for a similar rise from Cole, even if he ends up pitching as it appears he will do.

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Fans are excited to see what Cole can do and if he can pan out with the organization. Not many advanced scouting reports are out, and there is virtually no film. But just to be familiar with the name of a player drafted in the 15th round is exciting enough.