Leaving past Juan Soto, the Yankees are now banking on Cody Bellinger to keep the scoreboard running. The Yankees stunned the MLB community by trading Bellinger from the Cubs replacing Juan Soto. While Bellinger is undoubtedly a potent replacement for Soto, his comeback story is what makes the deal sweeter. From being an MVP till 2020, getting into injuries and off the field, to becoming the hope for the Yankees, Bellinger crossed a long road.
Reportedly, Cody Bellinger got traded by the Yankees in exchange for $5 million and Cody Poteet. He was signed by the Cubs for $80 million till 2026, and he owes $25 million for 2025. The Mets got Soto with $765 million, but getting Bellinger for $25 million for one year is a deal! The performance Bellinger is capable of can just help the Bronx get over Soto. So, how was Bellinger’s journey to the Yankees? Is he the right choice for the Yankees to bet on this year?
The rise of a phoenix
The journey of Cody Bellinger is no less than the rebirth of a Phoenix bird! The 2020 World Series winner was on the verge of ending his career after his prolonged injury-ridden season. Back to the present, all hopes are on Cody Bellinger to shine for the Yankees. Bellinger burst into the scene in 2019, when he scored 47 homers and 115 RBIs that year. He also received a trifecta of MLB awards, taking home the MVP award, the NL Gold Glove Award, and the NL Silver Slugger Award. He was the first Dodger in club history to take home all three honors in the same season!
What a season that was for Cody Bellinger till 2020! Well, nature had a different plan for him. 2021 was started for Bellinger with his shoulder injury and post that, his career-worst performance. He finished the 2021 season batting a career low. 165, with 10 HRs and 36 RBIs. “It’s very lonely. You feel like you’re the only one going through it, and in reality, everyone at some point goes through adversity in some sort of way, and mine came right when I got hurt and I was dealing with injuries,” said Bellinger in the spring training Q&A with Post columnist Steve Serby. The best is yet to come from him!
Cody Bellinger is all set to shine
“I do think it’s possible. Like I said, I’m healthy, I’m still really young [29], I’m stronger than I was back then. I would argue I’m the same speed.… I would say it’s possible,” said Bellinger on being asked if he can replicate his 2019 performance this year. The spirit and optimism being shown project a promising picture for the Yankees. Be it offense, defense, or baserunning, Bellinger does it all, and the Yankees got a utility player to their stable. Nevertheless, will he be able to make a comeback this year?
Yes, he can! In 2024, Cody Bellinger had a .266 batting average, 18 homers, and 78 RBIs for the Yankees. This figure looks like he is on the road to redemption. He is now 100% medically cleared for on-field actions, and adding up his optimism this year, a bigger figure is just around the corner. For the Yankees, if Cody Bellinger can hit well, he will give Soto a run for his money. While Bellinger’s last year was a teaser, the Yankees are all hoping to see him in a bigger role this year.
If Cody Bellinger could battle through mental struggles and come out stronger, handling the pressure on the field should be a walk in the park. The real test? We’ll see the results unfold in the coming months.
What do you think of Bellinger’s journey? Drop your thoughts below!
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