New York – Cody Bellinger delivered the performance of a lifetime on July 11, 2025, smashing three home runs against his former team as the New York Yankees demolished the Chicago Cubs 11-0. The 29-year-old outfielder achieved his first career three-homer game while setting two baseball milestones in a dominant display that showcased why the Yankees acquired him in December 2024.
Bellinger’s explosive performance made him the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit three home runs in his first game against a former team. The milestone carries extra significance given his emotional connection to the Cubs, who traded him to the Yankees just seven months ago along with $5 million in cash considerations for right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet.
The Yankees’ newest star became the 29th player in franchise history to record three home runs in a regular season game, joining legends like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Derek Jeter. His three two-run homers drove in six RBIs, coming off three different Cubs pitchers across the 3rd, 5th, and 8th innings. The performance nearly included a fourth home run, but Kyle Tucker‘s spectacular catch in the 7th inning robbed Bellinger of an even more historic night.
Bellinger matches Yankees’ legend Jeter
With his hot streak, Bellinger matched another record carved out by one of the most-beloved Yankees legends.
Derek Jeter stood alone among New York Yankees players for over a decade after accomplishing this rare milestone in 2012, becoming the last pinstripes player to record two separate hitting streaks of 15 games or longer in one campaign.
That exclusive club now has a new member. Bellinger joined Jeter’s elite company by pushing his current hitting streak to 16 games during Friday night’s action, matching the Yankees legend’s remarkable 2012 achievement.
The statistical accomplishment, highlighted by NY Yankees Stats, appeared destined to remain Jeter’s solitary domain for much of Thursday’s contest before Bellinger’s breakthrough performance.
Yankees’ strategic acquisition pays dividends
The December 2024 trade that brought Bellinger to the Bronx represented a calculated gamble by Yankees management. Fresh off losing Juan Soto to the Mets, the Yankees needed a proven offensive contributor who could provide defensive versatility across multiple positions. Bellinger’s ability to play all three outfield positions and first base made him an ideal fit for manager Aaron Boone’s strategic flexibility.
The financial structure of the deal favored the Yankees significantly. With the Cubs absorbing $2.5 million of Bellinger’s $27.5 million 2025 salary, the Yankees effectively acquired an All-Star caliber player while maintaining payroll flexibility. The move proved prescient as Bellinger has delivered consistent production throughout the season, currently batting .285 with 16 home runs and 54 RBIs through 86 games.
Yankees captain Aaron Judge praised his teammate’s integration into the clubhouse culture.
“Cody fits right in,” Judge said following the three-homer performance. “He’s been a great teammate since day one, and performances like this show why we were so excited to get him.”
Family legacy continues at Yankee Stadium
Bellinger’s Yankees success carries special meaning given his family’s history with the organization. His father, Clay Bellinger, played for the Yankees from 1999-2001, winning two World Series championships during that span. The younger Bellinger now wears uniform number 35 while continuing the family tradition of contributing to Yankees championship aspirations.
The 2025 season has been a career renaissance for Bellinger, who overcame recent struggles with the Cubs to rediscover his MVP-caliber form. His current 16-game hitting streak has elevated his season statistics while providing the Yankees with reliable offensive production in a competitive American League East division.
Record-breaking season continues
The three-homer game capped a remarkable stretch for Bellinger, who has been one of baseball’s hottest hitters since June. Over his last 34 games, he’s batting .341 with 8 home runs and 22 RBIs, demonstrating the consistent production that earned him the 2019 National League MVP award with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Two significant career milestones earlier in 2025 established Bellinger among elite company. His 200th career home run came on May 4 against the Tampa Bay Rays, while his 1,000th career hit arrived on June 10 against Taylor Clarke. These achievements underscore his sustained excellence across eight major league seasons.
The Yankees have now recorded three three-homer games in 2025, with Judge, Jasson Domínguez, and Bellinger each accomplishing the feat. This represents a franchise record for most three-homer games in a single season, highlighting the team’s offensive depth and power production.
The Yankees dream
The 11-0 victory marked one of the Yankees’ most dominant performances of the season, with Bellinger’s offensive explosion setting the tone early. His first home run in the 3rd inning broke a scoreless tie, while his second and third blasts helped turn a competitive game into a rout.
The Yankees’ acquisition of Bellinger reflects their continued championship aspirations despite losing Soto to their crosstown rivals. Currently 52-41 and second in the AL East, the Yankees view Bellinger as a crucial component of their playoff push and potential World Series run.
His defensive versatility has proven invaluable as the Yankees navigate injury challenges and roster adjustments. Manager Aaron Boone has utilized Bellinger’s ability to play center field, left field, and first base depending on matchups and strategic needs.
As the Yankees pursue their 28th World Series championship, Bellinger’s July 11 performance against the Cubs will be remembered as a defining moment in his first season in pinstripes. His three-homer night not only showcased individual excellence but demonstrated why the Yankees’ front office believed he could be the missing piece in their championship puzzle.
The combination of offensive production, defensive versatility, and clutch performance has made Bellinger an invaluable addition to the Yankees’ championship core, with his historic night against Chicago serving as a statement game for both player and franchise.
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