The New York Yankees took a gamble this offseason when they traded with the Chicago Cubs to bring in outfielder Cody Bellinger. After a mediocre 2024 season, many questioned whether the former MVP still had any elite years left.
But just two games into the regular season, it’s beginning to appear that the Yankees made a smart move.
Rebuilding From a Down Year
Bellinger’s 2024 stat line wasn’t awful, but for a player of his caliber, it didn’t meet expectations. He posted a .266/.325/.426 slash line with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs over 130 games, recording a 109 wRC+. This was just 9% above the league average, which hardly screams superstar.
But the Yankees believed there was more under the surface—and they might have been right.
Starting Hot and Hitting Hard
The early returns in pinstripes have been impressive. In just two games, Bellinger is slashing .571/.500/1.000 with one home run, five RBIs, a 10% walk rate, and a 10% strikeout rate. While it’s a small sample size, Bellinger appears to have rediscovered his swing.
His 451-foot home run on Saturday wasn’t just a towering blast—it marked one of the longest of his career. He’s consistently barreling the ball and tapping into the raw power that once made him one of the league’s most formidable hitters.
MVP Vibes Are Creeping Back
There’s a noticeable swagger to Bellinger’s approach right now, reminiscent of his 2019 season when, at just 23 years old, he claimed National League MVP honors.
That year, he dominated pitchers with a combination of bat speed, timing, and elite pitch recognition. Early in 2025, those same traits are starting to resurface.
He’s squaring up fastballs, laying off borderline pitches, and hitting to all fields. If you’re a Yankees fan, this is exactly what you hoped to see when the trade was made.
More Than Just a Bat
What makes Bellinger’s resurgence even more valuable is his defensive ability. Unlike Juan Soto, who offers offensive power but struggles defensively, Bellinger provides the Yankees with elite two-way play.
He’s capable of covering all three outfield positions and can even move to first base if necessary. This versatility gives manager Aaron Boone greater flexibility in lineup decisions, particularly with lefty-righty matchups and in-game substitutions.
Contract Structure Could Make Things Interesting
The Yankees aren’t covering the entire cost of Bellinger’s contract either. The Cubs have provided some financial relief, meaning New York is responsible for less than the $26.25 million Bellinger is owed through 2025. There’s a player option for 2026, but if Bellinger continues to perform at this level, he’ll almost certainly opt out and test the open market.
That could put the Yankees in an interesting position next offseason. If Bellinger maintains this production throughout the year, New York may look to lock him up long-term, or risk losing a key piece of their revamped offense.
A Perfect Fit in the Bronx
The Yankees are a team built on power and presence, and Cody Bellinger brings both. His swing is perfectly suited for Yankee Stadium’s short porch in right field, and he’s already making an impact.
If his early performance is any indication, Brian Cashman may have just pulled off one of the most significant moves of the offseason.
And if you blinked, you might’ve missed the resurgence of a star.
