In the 2025 MLB season, the New York Yankees bet on Cody Bellinger after Juan Soto’s rejection. Today, the outfielder is proving to be more productive and vital to the New York team.
What began as a “Plan B” after Juan Soto’s refusal has become one of the best decisions the Yankees have made in recent years. Cody Bellinger arrived in New York with a low profile, but today he is one of the offensive and defensive pillars of the team. His numbers in the 2025 MLB season even put him above Soto himself. A great surprise for the world of professional baseball without a doubt
Cody Bellinger: from second choice to star in New York
- When the New York Yankees failed to secure the arrival of Juan Soto, many thought that the front office had lost its big signing for the season. However, far from lamenting, general manager Brian Cashman opted for a strategic move: Cody Bellinger, from the Chicago Cubs, landed in the Bronx.
- Although he wasn’t the superstar everyone expected, Cody Bellinger has shown on the diamond that talent and commitment can speak louder than any media label.
The numbers speak: Bellinger surpasses Soto in 2025
Elite offensive and defensive performance: Cody Bellinger’s performance so far in 2025 has been outstanding. With a 132 wRC+ and 3.3 fWAR, he has been a key contributor not only with the bat, but also with the glove. His versatility and defensive ability have been key for a Yankees team that needed consistency in the outfield.
Cody Bellinger
Bellinger’s contribution is not limited to the box score. His presence on the field has injected energy, stability and focus into the team. In a franchise like the Yankees, where media pressure and the demand for results is constant, Cody has shown character and temperament, two intangible qualities that have been vital in this campaign.
In contrast, while Juan Soto has put up good numbers with the Mets, his overall impact has not reached the level that Bellinger has offered week after week in the Bronx.
Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Cody Bellinger
When the Chicago Cubs decided to let Bellinger go, many understood it was a calculated risk. However, seeing his current performance with the Yankees, the decision now looks hasty. While Chicago is looking for identity, New York is celebrating the arrival of a player who has performed well and exceeded expectations.
Bronx fans were quick to embrace Bellinger as one of their own. His gritty style of play, ability to respond in key moments and humility have clicked with the fans, who always demand results but also recognize effort.
The “Plan B” that saved the New York Yankees’ season
- In an ideal world, the Yankees would have signed Juan Soto. But in baseball, as in life, plans change. And in this case, that change was the best thing that could have happened to them. Cody Bellinger has gone from being someone else’s replacement to becoming one of the most important pieces on the team.
- His statistics, his impact in the clubhouse and his adaptation to the New York style of play are proof that sometimes alternate plans far exceed the “original”.
The Yankees, who started with doubts and frustrated expectations, now have a new figure to follow. And with Bellinger at the helm, the dream of a World Series is taking shape once again.
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