Bellinger Is Way Too Excited To Be A Yankee & I Love It

Move over, utility players! Cody Bellinger is here to prove that being a team-first superstar is the ultimate flex. The Yankees’ shiny new slugger brought a mix of charm, humility, and pure versatility to his introductory press conference on Thursday. If you weren’t already excited, well, buckle up—because Cody isn’t just joining the squad; he’s ready to be the squad.

“…Wherever y’all need me, I’ll play,” Bellinger said with the kind of swagger that makes you believe he actually means it. “Left, center, right, first base—heck, if [Aaron] Judge wants to take a DH day, I’ll grab a glove and cover right field. It’s about winning, and I enjoy doing whatever helps my team.”

Team player? Understatement of the year. In 2024 with Chicago, Bellinger was a defensive chameleon, seamlessly transitioning between center and right field while sprinkling in a little first base action. Why? Because he could—and because he’s a guy who understands that winning is a team sport.

Bellinger credits former teammate Kiké Hernández for inspiring his Swiss Army Knife approach to the game. “Kiké’s probably the best I’ve ever seen at playing anywhere on the field and making it look easy,” Bellinger shared during a Zoom meeting. “He showed me it’s possible to be excellent at multiple positions. So, I worked at it, nailed the footwork, and now, wherever they need me, I’m ready to roll.”

And let’s not glaze over the family legacy—Cody’s Yankee connection runs deep. His dad, Clay Bellinger, was a proud member of the Yankees’ World Series-winning teams in 1999 and 2000. Cody and Clay now join an elite club as the fourth father-son duo to don pinstripes, standing shoulder to shoulder with names like Yogi and Dale Berra. Talk about carrying the torch!

But if you think Cody’s just here for the nostalgia, think again. He’s here to win. When he got the news, he’d be joining the Yankees, Bellinger called his dad, who was over-the-moon excited—even if he tried to play it cool.

So, whether it’s robbing home runs in center, snagging liners at first, or giving Judge a day off in right, Cody Bellinger is ready to do whatever it takes. Because in the Bronx, it’s not just about the player—it’s about the team. And Cody? Cody’s the guy.

Welcome to the Bronx, Cody. Let’s win some games.