The Yankees have been stuck in quicksand lately, dropping six of their last seven games and looking like a team adrift.
But on Sunday against the New York Mets, Cody Bellinger stepped up in a way that might just jolt this club back to life.
Sometimes one electric play can ripple through an entire clubhouse, and Bellinger’s defensive masterpiece might be that moment.
It was more than just a highlight—it felt like a statement that the Yankees aren’t ready to fade away.
Bellinger’s incredible IQ and defense turned the game
In the top of the fifth, Bellinger made a shoestring catch that looked tricky enough on its own.
But what happened next showed why his baseball instincts are on another level.
Instead of freezing or making a lazy toss back to the infield, he recognized Francisco Lindor failed to tag up at first.
Bellinger unleashed a dart to double him off, robbing the Mets of a huge scoring chance.
It was the kind of play that sends shockwaves through a dugout, the baseball equivalent of someone jumping in front of a train to save a friend.
Yankees betting on Bellinger despite looming free agency
The Yankees signed Bellinger knowing this could always be a short-term relationship.
He has a player option for 2026 at roughly $22 million, which he’ll almost certainly decline if he keeps hitting like this.
Over 82 games this season, Bellinger is slashing .272/.330/.468 with 13 homers and 47 RBIs.
His 122 wRC+ means he’s been 22% better than the average MLB hitter, which is exactly the jolt the Yankees needed after letting Juan Soto bolt in free agency.
Discipline at the plate and excellence in the field
Bellinger’s not just mashing baseballs, either.
He owns a 14.8% strikeout rate and 8.3% walk rate, proving his approach at the plate is mature and calculated.
Defensively, he’s been a rock.
His .988 fielding percentage across 686.1 innings in the outfield shows he’s been reliable, if not spectacular.
When you throw in three defensive runs saved and four outs above average, you start realizing the Yankees didn’t just get a hitter—they landed a true two-way contributor.
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Yankees getting every ounce of value in post-Soto pivot
No one in the Bronx needs reminding how painful it was to watch Juan Soto leave for a massive deal with the Mets.
The Yankees had to pivot quickly, and part of that strategy meant handing over a decent chunk of money to Bellinger via trade.
He’s more than answered the call.
Even after a frigid start to 2025, he’s rounding into form at just the right time.
His recent heroics against the Mets show he’s willing to put his body and reputation on the line to help the Yankees claw back into contention.
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