In the theater of spring training, where whispers can be louder than roars, Cody Bellinger establishes his presence in the Yankees camp with quiet confidence. Following Juan Soto’s departure from the team, there was a clear need to bring in someone who could take on the impossible task of replacing La Fiera. Their concerns appear to have been resolved with this new acquisition. The $80 million man in pinstripes is already demonstrating qualities beyond statistics. So much so that Meredith Marakovits has already marked him as a player poised to redefine their identity, and with good reason too.
Despite making two big trades and adding a plethora of free agents, when asked if the 29-year-old was the most important Yankee this year outside of Aaron Judge, Marakovits was quick to agree. The analyst hailed Bellinger’s ability to play in the center, left, or even on the right if Judge needed a break. “He can do several things for him,” she said, citing his versatility as the major reason for her declaration on the MLB Network. “You’re gonna see him primarily in center field. But when you talk about that versatility. If they need him to play left field or Aaron Judge gets a DH day, he could slide over to right field.”
“His swing is definitely going to play at Yankee Stadium, I think he’s poised to have a special year.”
– @M_Marakovits on Cody Bellinger pic.twitter.com/fH3yocKy6o
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 6, 2025
She then revealed a conversation between Bellinger and Aaron Boone, one that showed the new Yankees star’s confidence in his own versatility. “I think one of the best things about Cody Bellinger so far is he’s gone to Aaron Boone and said, Anything you need from me, just tell me. I’m willing to do anything to help this team win,” she said, showing just how hungry the former NL MVP is for success with the Yankees. Marakovits also claimed that Bellinger was in his prime and boldly predicted that “he is poised to have a special year for the Yankees.”
We will have to wait and see if her prediction comes true. But one thing is clear for sure: Cody Bellinger definitely embodies past championship-winning Yankees teams, with his priority on the team’s ambition over his own. The team and their fans, still feeling the sting of last season’s World Series defeat, will hope this quality of his helps them finally reclaim their place at the top of the baseball world.
Cody Bellinger reveals how he will man the center field after taking over from Aaron Judge
Cody Bellinger’s versatility is being put to the test as he takes over center field, a task shouldered by his captain, Aaron Judge, before him. However, he does not rely solely on his abilities and raw talent. Instead, he is building his success on the foundation of teamwork. This is evidenced by his proactive and communicative approach to mastering the position. Bellinger revealed that his plan involves continuous assessment of the batter’s stance and swing to make split-second decisions. This urgency demands that he and his fellow outfielders remain on the same page.
By creating a culture where everyone is constantly communicating with each other, he is hoping to make sure everyone understands each other’s role. This will help reduce errors and increase their chances of winning. “I’m letting him know, ‘I moved over this way about five feet’. You know, we have an idea of where we’re at and always communicating pre at bat,” Bellinger told Chris Young on the MLB Network. “It’s the most important thing you do as an outer.”
Before Bellinger’s arrival, Judge was responsible for manning center field, where he played 105 games. However, his performance there was less than satisfactory. The Yankees captain ranked only 39th out of 40 qualified center fielders in Outs Above Average. Now that Juan Soto has left, Judge will once again play in his preferred right field. This has left them with a significant defensive gap in their outfield.
Bellinger, who has previously won a Gold Glove award playing in the right field back in 2019, is instead being tasked with improving a position that was a clear weakness for them. However, his approach to the daunting demand, combined with his versatility, has made one thing clear. He is ready for the challenge. But most fans already knew that.
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