Cody Bellinger has shed his early-season struggles. The Yankees outfielder is now showcasing exactly why New York targeted him after losing Juan Soto.
Thursday’s 4-0 victory against Cleveland at Yankee Stadium proved Bellinger’s worth. His three-RBI performance secured the win and demonstrated that his April woes were behind him.
The turnaround represents one of the season’s most notable mid-year transformations in the Bronx.
Gold glove defense, clutch hitting
Bellinger’s evening started with spectacular defense. He made a leaping catch at the right-field wall during the fourth inning. The grab kept Cleveland off the scoreboard.
Minutes later, he switched to offense mode. Following Aaron Judge‘s double, Bellinger crushed a two-run homer to right-center field. The blast came off Cleveland starter Slade Cecconi and gave New York its first hit of the game.
The seventh inning brought more heroics. After Cleveland walked Judge intentionally, Bellinger punished the strategy. He lined a single through the right side for an insurance run.
“Obviously, you know it’s there,” Bellinger said about Yankee Stadium’s short right field. “For me, I’ve got to stay within myself and swing my swing. Hopefully, good things will happen.”
Good things are happening frequently now. Bellinger has hit seven of his nine homers at Yankee Stadium this season, and his swing appears perfectly suited to the ballpark’s dimensions.
Early struggles now history
Bellinger’s Yankees debut was rocky. His OPS sat below .600 during April. Fans questioned whether the Cubs trade was a mistake.
The problems weren’t just physical. Mental hurdles plagued the veteran hitter.
“First, trying to do too much,” Bellinger explained. “I had so much excitement. I made the adjustments [and] had good conversations with the hitting coaches.”
Both his mechanics and mindset needed work. The coaching staff helped address both issues.
Manager Aaron Boone noticed the difference. “He can put balls in play, but he was expanding a little too much,” Boone said. That pattern has reversed recently.
Boone sees improvement in Bellinger’s approach. “Getting in a good hitting position and making good swing decisions,” the manager added.
Perfect fit behind Judge
Bellinger batted cleanup Thursday, positioned directly behind Judge. The lineup construction worked perfectly.
In the fourth, the Yankees slugger homered after Judge doubled. Later, Cleveland pitched around Judge twice. The slugger made them pay both times. He flew out deep to center in the sixth, then delivered the RBI single in the seventh.
The Yankees have searched all season for someone to protect Judge. Bellinger appears to be that missing piece.
Hitting coach James Rowson sees the progress. “When I’m in a good spot, I focus on having a good plan and having a good approach at the plate,” Rowson said. “I think that enables him to put his best swing on the ball.”
The trade makes sense now
Critics questioned the Bellinger acquisition initially. His slow start fueled more doubt. But Yankees executives saw potential in the left-handed slugger.
They valued his postseason experience. They loved his swing for Yankee Stadium. They believed in his ability to rebound.
The bet is paying dividends now. Bellinger’s resurgence strengthens the entire lineup. His presence forces opponents to pitch differently to Judge.
The trade looks brilliant in hindsight.
Future holds promise
The Yankees lead the AL East. Bellinger’s production will be crucial for their championship hopes. His ability to handle elite right-handed pitching will be tested.
Summer heat typically brings higher stakes. The Yankees may have finally found their Judge protector. They might have discovered their next fan favorite too.
April brought boos from the Yankee Stadium crowd. June is bringing cheers.
The transformation is complete. Bellinger has arrived in the Bronx.
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