The New York Yankees are loading their Christmas stockings, making major splashes in this offseason market. A week before the holidays, the Yankees finalized a trade that’s bringing eight-year veteran Cody Bellinger to the Bronx.
The Yankees recently locked in starting pitcher Max Fried, as well as closer, Devin Williams. Two key areas of interest were filled accordingly. Brian Cashman and his executive team was not done there.
Belli to the Bronx
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— New York Yankees (@Yankees) December 18, 2024
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Newest Yankee Player Increases Value in Championship Chase
Anthony Rizzo became a free agent after the season. Rizzo held down the corner at first base, but his uncertainty in performance and consistency was undesirable when considering his return. The Yankees answered back with Bellinger, a talent that fills the role with value.
Bellinger’s Career This Far
The first baseman and outfielder have eight seasons in the major leagues after his draft selection in 2013 by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bellinger inserted himself in two all-star appearances in 2017 and 2019.
He spent six seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and two seasons with the Chicago Cubs. In 2017, he won the National League Rookie of the Year, and in 2018, he won the NL MVP for the National League Championship Series.
In 2019, Bellinger won a Gold Glove Award, a Sliver Slugger Award, and all MLB Team One. Most recently, in 2023, Bellinger won the NL Comeback Player of the Year and another Silver Slugger award.
The Statistics
The 2024 season was a decently productive one. The numbers were less than Bellinger is used to, but he posted a .266 batting average, an on-base percentage of .325, and a slugging percentage of .426.
Bellinger rocked 18 home runs this season with 137 hits, 78 RBIs, and 72 runs. Taking it a year back in 2023, the first baseman smacked 26 home runs and 97 RBIs.
So far, his career numbers read .259/.334/.484 on slashes, along with 196 home runs, 597 RBIs, and 942 hits.
What Does the Newly Acquired Infielder Bring to the Yankees?
First and foremost, the Yankees have found their first baseman. It is only assumed that the club would want him to protect the bag rather than hold an outfield spot.
However, depending on how spring training goes, he could be in the outfield very well if Ben Rice steps up both offensively and defensively.
If Bellinger holds down first base, the right side of the infield has improved drastically, from both an offensive and defensive standpoint. Despite the injury consideration, a healthy Bellinger already offers at least 40-50 more starts. He also offers 60 more hits, 10 more home runs, and 43-45 more RBIs.
Bellinger is a left-handed hitter and defender; this directly replaces Rizzo, keeping the left-side advantage. His stick will likely remain where RIzzo’s spot was in the lineup.
The left-handed hitters groupings on the spray charts seems properly distributed for base hitand extra base hits. His long-ball game is pull-side dominant which will be beneficial at Yankees stadium.
This season, Bellinger topped 109.2 mph max exit velocity, had a 32.9% sweet spot, an 84% zone contact rate, and only a 32.4% chase percentage.
Bellinger is a perfect fit for the pinstripes and adds extreme value to the Yankees environment. His current profile is already an enhancement to the infield and lineup.
Main Photo Credits: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
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