New York Yankees star Cody Bellinger has rediscovered his good fielding and accurate hitting that he had lost since two seasons ago when he wore the Chicago Cubs uniform. The inconsistencies were constant and that is why he was traded to the New York team before the 2025 season. Placed in the outfield with some appearances at first base, the former National League MVP has done an admirable job of filling the void left by Juan Soto, who was sent to the New York Mets.
However, the biggest question heading into the new season is the outfield star’s next destination, as his contract will expire at the end of 2025. In an appearance on MLB Network, renowned informant Jon Heyman shed light on the likely next move in Bellinger’s career. Where, if the Bronx outfit are not willing to open the chequebook, we may see him in another uniform in 2026.
Cody Bellinger’s desire to stay with the New York Yankees
The two-time All-Star is batting .275 with 27 home runs and 87 RBIs. He has also generated 4.4 fWAR, which is a big improvement on his 2.2 fWAR in 2024. “He’s been very good in the cleanup spot. He has an OPS of .837. I think he would stay in a big market where the Mets could go back to Yankee Stadium. He would also fit in as Juan Soto has done. Bellinger wants to play for a winning team, that’s his only requirement, where he’s had a fantastic year in the Bronx,” said Jon Heyman.
The outfielder also belongs to the highest echelon of hitters when it comes to plate discipline, as he is in the 92nd percentile in strikeout rate, meaning he does not strike out frequently and in the 86th percentile in strikeout rate. Another important factor he brings is value on defense. Cody is a speedy player who covers a lot of ground in the outfield. Placing him anywhere is synonymous with confidence to generate outs.
Cody Bellinger is an important factor in defeating the Toronto Blue Jays
After losing eight of their last 11 games against the Toronto Blue Jays, Cody Bellinger and the New York Yankees finally got a narrow victory during Saturday afternoon’s game in the Big Apple. Although Bellinger finished with just one run scored and three walks, he made one of the key plays in the sixth inning by putting out Bo Bichette, who was trying to score at home.
The powerful throw from the outfield prevented the Blue Jays from tying the score at a crucial moment in the game. The Yankees defeated the Jays 3-1 and improved their record to 79-63, now just three games out of a share of first place in the American League East, currently held by the latter.
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