At first glance, Cody Bellinger’s baseball career might seem like a tale of identity theft, especially when you look back at his breakout year in 2019. That season, he was a 23-year-old powerhouse, dominating the National League and leaving opposing pitchers helpless in his wake. With 47 home runs, 115 RBIs, and a .305 batting average, Bellinger didn’t just win the MVP award—he did so in a runaway. It was a campaign that had the world buzzing and baseball fans wondering just how far this young star could go.
Bellinger seemed like he was on the brink of a legendary career. With his swing and raw power, the sky appeared to be the limit. Even the New York Yankees, who have long had a knack for scooping up the best talent, started to imagine a future with Bellinger in their iconic Pinstripes. And why not? A stadium built for left-handed hitters with a short porch in right field? It seemed like the perfect fit for Bellinger’s powerful uppercut swing.
However, it took the Yankees five years to finally pull the trigger on landing Bellinger. They acquired him this week in a trade with the Chicago Cubs, and to be honest, the deal seemed almost too good to be true. In exchange for Bellinger, the Yankees sent over Cody Poteet, a right-handed pitcher who hasn’t exactly made waves in the league.
It was a move that raised eyebrows, especially considering the Cubs seemed eager to part ways with the former MVP. But then again, this was a business deal that made sense for the Yankees. They had a hole to fill after losing Juan Soto, and Bellinger’s proven ability to hit home runs, especially in Yankee Stadium, was too enticing to ignore. Add to that the fact that Bellinger would be hitting in front of Aaron Judge, and the possibilities seemed downright thrilling.
“It’s what motivates me,” Bellinger said in a Zoom call. “I know what I can do. I know what I’ve done. I think there’s a surge in home runs still in the tank.”
His optimism was infectious. It was exactly the kind of hopeful attitude the Yankees needed after saying goodbye to Soto, who was one of the most fearsome hitters in the league. Fans and analysts alike began imagining Bellinger in a lineup alongside Judge, and the results were electric. The potential for a potent one-two punch was undeniable.
But let’s pause for a second and think about Bellinger’s career. The question on everyone’s mind: is it realistic to expect him to return to that 2019 form? After all, Bellinger hasn’t come close to replicating that monster season. His numbers in the years following his MVP campaign have been inconsistent at best. In 2021 and 2022, Bellinger struggled mightily, with batting averages of .165 and .210, respectively. Those are numbers no one would expect from a former MVP. He was eventually non-tendered by the Los Angeles Dodgers, a shocking turn of events for someone who had once been the future of the franchise.
In 2023, he found a resurgence with the Cubs, posting a solid .307 batting average with 36 home runs and 97 RBIs. But just when it seemed like Bellinger was back on track, his numbers dipped again in 2024. He finished the season with a .265 batting average, 18 home runs, and 78 RBIs—still respectable, but far from the superstar levels he reached in 2019.
So, what gives? What happened to the Cody Bellinger who seemed like he was going to be a household name for years to come? The mystery of his career trajectory is a tough one to crack. Now approaching his 30th birthday, Bellinger is entering what should be the prime of his career. But his numbers tell a more troubling story. Over the past three years, his exit velocity has dropped, and his percentage of hard-hit balls has tanked as well—plummeting from 45.9% in 2019 to just 32.9% last year. These are concerning signs for any player, especially one the Yankees are hoping will be a key piece of their offense.
However, there’s a silver lining in all this: Bellinger’s swing still pulls the ball in the air, and that’s something that can’t be ignored. It’s part of the reason the Yankees are so excited about the potential fit in their lineup. While his exit velocity and hard-hit balls have dipped, the fact that he can still launch the ball with authority is a major selling point. And when you factor in the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium, it’s easy to see why the Yankees are optimistic.
“His swing is built for Yankee Stadium,” said GM Brian Cashman. “We have 81 home games plus the road games against the Rays at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. The ballparks are configured for that swing. That’s part of his calling card.”
It’s this very swing that Cashman and the Yankees hope will help Bellinger rediscover the magic that made him a star in 2019. And while the expectations might not be for him to repeat that monster MVP season, they’re certainly hoping for a version of Bellinger who can hit for power and play Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field. Even if he falls short of the 47-home run mark, if he can provide 20-25 home runs and remain a steady presence in the clubhouse, it would be a win for the Yankees.
And let’s not forget, the Yankees aren’t trying to replace Soto with just one player. Cashman has been spreading the team’s resources across various areas, improving the rotation with Max Fried, the bullpen with Devin Williams, and bringing in Bellinger to shore up the offense. This isn’t about finding one superstar to fill the shoes of another—it’s about surrounding Aaron Judge with quality players who can make a difference in a variety of ways.
But the mystery remains: could Bellinger return to being the superstar he once was? It’s a gamble, and a big one at that. He’s slated to earn $52.5 million through 2026, with an opt-out clause after the 2025 season. If Bellinger delivers, he’ll almost certainly opt out and cash in on another big contract. But if he struggles again, the Yankees will be on the hook for $20 million in 2026—a hefty price for a player who hasn’t shown consistent results over the past few years.
The stakes are high, but the Yankees are willing to take the risk. Cashman and the front office are crossing their fingers and hoping that Bellinger can regain some of that 2019 magic. It’s a bet they’re willing to make, and one that could pay off in a big way if Bellinger can find his rhythm once again.
In the end, whether he’s hitting 40 home runs or contributing in other ways, the Yankees are hoping Bellinger can provide the spark they need. They’ve seen what he’s capable of in the past, and with the right environment, maybe—just maybe—he can tap into that potential once more. The possibilities are exciting, and for a team with championship aspirations, taking a shot on Bellinger might just be the right move.
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