It seems the Yankees changed course a little bit by signing Cody Bellinger, another All-Star outfielder. While many believe that Bellinger’s hitting is not on the same level as Juan Soto’s, the former Chicago Cubs player made it clear that his defense is still on another level.
In his first game with the Yankees, during Spring Training against the Tampa Bay Rays, he made a spectacular play. He threw himself into center field and caught a rebound ball in the fourth inning, then eliminated the runner at second base with a good tag by Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Praise for Cody Bellinger
Fans raved about him on social media: “With Bellinger, the Yankees could be a better team than with Soto. Defense saves runs, and Bellinger has that gold glove that Soto doesn’t have. If Cody hits well, they will be better than in 2024, and for less money,” commented one of them. Another fan, more confident, said: “Bellinger has one game with the Yankees and is already a better center fielder than Aaron Judge.” That’s how impressive he was!
They didn’t stop there, as other fans also praised Bellinger: “He’s always been a monster in the center,” said one fan. And there was no shortage of those who enthusiastically backed him: “Happy for Belli.
He’s a good guy and a great player. Yankees fans will be happy,” wrote one Cubs fan. Some even lamented his departure from the Dodgers: “It broke my heart when the Dodgers didn’t renew him. If his hitting is back to what it used to be, get ready!” expressed another fan.
Although some see Bellinger as Soto‘s replacement, the outfielder himself made it clear that this is not the case. “It’s not about replacing anyone, it’s about coming in and doing our best. If we reach our best version, that could be a lot of fun,” Cody said during Spring TrainingBellinger is seen as an upgrade in the outfield, especially in center field, a position Aaron Judge played last year so Soto could play in his preferred position of left field.
However, for the Yankees to truly benefit from his signing, Bellinger will have to improve his hitting, as after the 41 home runs Soto hit last season, there is an offensive void to fill. Time will tell how well he does!
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