Ex-Yankees hero bets big on Bellinger as Soto’s replacement on Bombers’ roster

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The New York Yankees have made a significant roster move by acquiring former National League MVP Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs, addressing the substantial offensive void created by Juan Soto’s crosstown move to the Mets. Bellinger’s left-handed power stroke and versatile defensive skills make him an intriguing addition as the Bronx Bombers prepare for their 2025 championship pursuit.

Yankees legend Tino Martinez, renowned for his sweet swing and power production during the dynasty years, recognizes similarities between his approach and Bellinger’s. Martinez expressed confidence about Bellinger’s fit in Yankee Stadium, remarking, “Cody’s got that good, beautiful, smooth swing. It’s like (Jason) Giambi, although a little more upright. He’s going to hit a lot of home runs in the Stadium and obviously some on the road, too. I could see him finishing at 40 this year.”

The Yankees landed the slugger by sending right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet to Chicago, with the Cubs agreeing to include $5 million to help balance the financial equation. His remaining contract spans two years worth $52.5 million total, featuring a $25 million option for 2026 that includes a potential $5 million buyout clause.

Bellinger’s baseball journey

Bellinger’s MLB career began with a spectacular debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers, capturing National League Rookie of the Year honors in 2017 after blasting 39 home runs. His career apex came in 2019 when he crushed 47 homers en route to earning the National League MVP award. His production subsequently declined, partly attributed to various injuries. Seeking a career reset, Bellinger joined the Cubs on a one-year contract in 2023, where he showed substantial revival by hitting .307 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs, earning him National League Comeback Player of the Year recognition.

Martinez bets big on Bellinger

Juan Soto contributed to the Yankees’ 2024 offense with 41 home runs and .569 slugging. However, he hit only 17 home runs at Yankee Stadium against an expected 46. Martinez predicts Bellinger will get 40 home runs. But according to FanGraphs’ Depth Charts, he may end up playing 136 games hitting 23 home runs, and contributing 79 RBIs, resulting in a wRC+ of 112 and a 2.8 fWAR.

But Martinez’s optimism stems from Bellinger’s previous success against Yankee Stadium’s notorious right-field “short porch” – sitting just 314 feet from home plate – creates an alluring target for left-handed hitters. The lefty slugger acknowledged the challenge, noting, “It’s easy to get pull happy here,” while stressing the need for a balanced offensive approach. Martinez reinforced this wisdom, warning hitters against obsessing over home runs to avoid producing routine ground balls to second base.

Bellinger’s natural uppercut swing mechanics align perfectly with the ballpark’s characteristics, potentially translating to increased home run totals. During a 2023 series in the Bronx, he demonstrated his comfort in the venue by hitting .300 with one homer in 10 at-bats, offering a preview of his potential impact.

Championship environment energizes Bellinger

At 29, Bellinger appears reinvigorated by joining an organization with clear championship aspirations. He expressed enthusiasm about his new team, stating, “This team is going for it, they want to win it all. You can just feel it, how serious everyone is.” He drew a distinct contrast between the Yankees’ winning culture and previous teams lacking realistic title hopes, highlighting the organization’s commitment to excellence.

As the season opener approaches, Bellinger envisions his first game in the iconic pinstripes, the traditional Bleacher Creatures’ roll call, and the opportunity to leverage Yankee Stadium’s dimensions to boost his offensive production.

Numbers on Bellinger’s side

Bellinger’s statistical profile indicates he’s particularly well-suited for success in Yankee Stadium. His pulled fly ball rate ranked in the 87th and 89th percentiles during the 2023 and 2024 seasons respectively – a critical metric for left-handed hitters looking to capitalize on the stadium’s right-field dimensions. Additionally, his disciplined plate approach resulted in just a 17 percent strikeout rate in 2024, suggesting he makes consistent contact. These characteristics align perfectly with the profile of successful power hitters in the Bronx.

The Yankees‘ acquisition of Cody Bellinger represents a calculated move to replenish their offensive firepower following Juan Soto’s departure. With swing mechanics tailored for Yankee Stadium and renewed motivation, he has the potential to quickly become a fan favorite and a crucial contributor to the team’s championship ambitions. The upcoming season will reveal whether Bellinger can recapture his MVP form and help guide the Yankees back to baseball’s pinnacle.

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