The Yankees entered the offseason with holes in the outfield and infield, and after Juan Soto signed elsewhere, trading for Cody Bellinger seemed like a no-brainer.
Bellinger has played four different positions in his eight-year career and that gives manager Aaron Boone and the Yankees a lot of flexibility on how to deploy their players. Despite reports that Boone told Bellinger he would play center field — something the longtime Yankees manager denied — the left-handed slugger was asked where he would play defensively in his introductory Zoom meeting on Thursday, and confirmed his flexibility.
“[I told Boone] Where y’all need me to play, I’ll play,” Bellinger said. “Whether it’s left, center, [Aaron] Judge gets a DH day, I’ll play right. Or if you need me at first base, I’ll play first. It helps the teams that I’m on win and I enjoy doing that.”
Of the four positions Bellinger has played in his career, he’s played the most at center (449 games), which is where he captured a Gold Glove in 2019 — the same season he won the NL MVP for the Dodgers.
Bellinger has played 155 games in right, but Judge will move back to right field after manning center last season. Left field is open as well, which Bellinger has just 37 games playing. That position is arguably the toughest at Yankee Stadium and may be where the Yankees try to deploy their new slugger to allow Jasson Dominguez — whom GM Brian Cashman wants to get a shot in 2025 — to play in center, which is his natural position.
The Yankees are likely looking for a first baseman to replace Anthony Rizzo, but Bellinger had 271 games played at that position so he can start there if the team were to acquire another outfielder this offseason.
However the Yankees decide to use Bellinger, the former MVP is ready and credits a former teammate of his for his defensive versatility.
“I learned a lot from Kiké Hernandez,” Bellinger said. “He’s probably one of the best players that I’ve seen at being able to roam around the field and be above average or excellent at every position he plays.
“I got to see how it’s possible and I knew I had the ability to do it. I just like to work at it, get my footwork down and prepare that way. Wherever they need me, I’m available.”
Bellinger will enter his age-30 season in 2025 and although his offensive numbers have not been anywhere near his first few seasons in LA, he still expects that production out of himself.
“That’s what keeps me motivated. I know what I can do and I know what I’ve done,” he said. “That’s what I strive for every single year. I want to be the best player I can be. I expect that out of myself.”
Just two seasons ago he had a resurgent first year with the Cubs, which he parlayed into a multi-year deal, but could not duplicate that Silver Slugger-winning performance.
In 2024, Bellinger slashed .266/.325/.426 with 18 home runs and 78 RBI. But within the friendly confines of Yankee Stadium, those numbers are expected to improve.
