The New York Yankees made a significant move during the offseason by acquiring Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs, with the hope of him regaining his MVP form. Although Bellinger showcased some promising signs while batting .307 with the Cubs in 2023, he has struggled to replicate that performance with the Yankees, causing the team to face some tough decisions regarding his future with the organization.
Manager Aaron Boone described the situation with Bellinger as a “puzzle,” highlighting the challenge of finding consistent playing time for their four starting-caliber outfielders. Max Goodman from NJ Advance Media indicated that while the Yankees have heavily invested in Bellinger, they need to see improvement from him. His unique ability to significantly impact the middle of the batting order adds complexity to the decision-making process for the team.
Despite Bellinger’s recent regression, including a concerning OPS+ of 91 and a batting average of .215, there have been signs of improvement. Over the last week, he recorded hits in six consecutive games, bringing his average up from .196. This uptick in performance offers a glimmer of hope for him as he seeks to reclaim his offensive prowess.
Bellinger’s exceptional defensive skills and left-handed bat are valuable to the Yankees, especially when he is at his peak. Although the team faces challenges in managing their outfield lineup, the recent improvements in Bellinger’s performance suggest that he may be on the verge of turning things around.
The Yankees remain optimistic that Bellinger can regain his form, which could significantly alter the dynamics of their lineup moving forward.