Cody Bellinger Joins Yankees, Aims to Fulfill Childhood Dream and Revive Career
December 19, 2024Previously, Bellinger won the National League MVP award in 2019 while with the Los Angeles Dodgers, posting impressive stats including a .305 batting average with 47 home runs.
Bellinger is motivated to capitalize on this new chapter with the Yankees, aiming to contribute to the team's success and solidify his legacy.
Cody Bellinger, recently acquired by the New York Yankees from the Chicago Cubs, reflects on his childhood memories at Yankee Stadium, where his father, Clay Bellinger, played during the team's 1999 and 2000 World Series championships.
The Cubs traded Bellinger to the Yankees, taking on $52.5 million of his contract while agreeing to pay $5 million as part of the deal.
Bellinger has expressed his flexibility to play various positions, including center field and first base, to help the Yankees win games.
Cody's long-held ambition to play for the Yankees is fueled by his deep-rooted connection to the team and its storied history.
Having experienced both highs and lows in his career, Bellinger is eager to seize the opportunity with the Yankees, a franchise known for its rich legacy.
He is particularly optimistic about playing at Yankee Stadium, where the short porch could enhance his left-handed hitting, especially with 87 home games scheduled due to the Tampa Bay Rays' temporary relocation.
Bellinger believes that joining the Yankees and hitting alongside stars like Aaron Judge could significantly boost his performance and power numbers.
In the 2023 season, Bellinger had a successful run, hitting .307 with 29 home runs and 97 RBIs, which led him to become a free agent.
He has acknowledged the challenges he faced at Wrigley Field due to weather conditions and is enthusiastic about the hitting environment at Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees view Bellinger as a potential key player in their quest to reclaim World Series success, especially after losing Juan Soto to the Mets.
Summary based on 4 sources
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Sources
AP News • Dec 19, 2024
Cody Bellinger experienced World Series title with dad Clay at old Yankee StadiumESPN • Dec 19, 2024
Cody Bellinger excited to join Yankees, dad's former team - ESPNNBC Sports • Dec 20, 2024
Cody Bellinger experienced World Series title with dad Clay at old Yankee Stadium - NBC SportsMotorcycle Sports • Dec 19, 2024
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