Baseball is all about timing—whether it’s connecting with a fastball or snapping out of a prolonged slump.
For the New York Yankees, Cody Bellinger finding his swing could be the most pivotal moment of their 2025 season.
A Challenging Start Amid High Hopes
When the Yankees traded for Bellinger from the Cubs, he was seen as a key piece to help offset the loss of Juan Soto’s production.
At 29, Bellinger came with credentials, power, and versatility. But in the early part of the season, he failed to make much of an impact. He posted a sluggish .215/.288/.388 line, often struggling with timing and making weak contact.
Though he hit five home runs, the overall quality of his at-bats fell short of what the Yankees were counting on.
Signs of a Turnaround
Lately, though, Bellinger has shown improvement. Over the past two weeks, he’s batted .239/.345/.435, with more discipline and sharper pitch recognition.
A key moment came Wednesday against Dylan Cease. Cease had a no-hitter going into the seventh until Bellinger broke it up with a solo homer that tied the game and shifted momentum. The Yankees went on to win 4–3 in dramatic fashion.
Cody Bellinger
A Potential Game-Changer When He’s Hot
When Bellinger is locked in, he’s more than just a supporting bat—he can be the driving force of a lineup.
At his best, his power and confidence can ignite an offense, and that’s exactly what the Yankees hoped for when they brought him in, banking on flashes of his MVP form.
With Aaron Judge already leading the charge, a resurgent Bellinger could make the Yankees’ offense much more formidable.
No Single Replacement for Soto
The Yankees never expected to replace Soto with one player. Instead, they built a more rounded approach.
Bellinger was a calculated piece of that strategy, with the front office counting on his potential and playoff pedigree.
That bet may finally be paying off. There’s still a long road ahead, but if Bellinger can stay hot, the Yankees might finally start looking like the contender they were built to be.
