NEW YORK — The resurrection of Cody Bellinger reached its logical endpoint on Tuesday. The former MVP, cast off by the Dodgers after years of decline, stood at the All-Star media day podium in a New York Yankees uniform. He was an All-Star for the first time since 2019.
The trade that shocked the Bronx happened last December. The Yankees sent a package of prospects to the Chicago Cubs for Bellinger, a move met with widespread skepticism. Fan forums lit up with complaints about acquiring another reclamation project. The front office saw a left-handed power bat to protect Aaron Judge and a Gold Glove center fielder to patch the outfield.
That bet paid off in ways even the most optimistic projections missed.
Bellinger is hitting .278 with 24 home runs and a .841 OPS at the break. His resurgence mirrors that of two other first-time Yankee All-Stars: catcher Ben Rice and right-hander Cam Schlittler. Both are Boston-area natives who made the American League roster for the first time.
“It’s surreal,” Rice told MLB.com. “Growing up a Red Sox fan, never thought I’d be wearing pinstripes at an All-Star Game.”
Schlittler, a 2022 draft pick, posted a 3.12 ERA in 18 starts. His emergence gave the Yankees rotation depth they lacked last season.
At All-Star media day, Bellinger addressed New York’s chances in the American League. “We have the talent to go all the way,” he said, per Yahoo Sports video. “The lineup is deep. The pitching is there. It’s about executing in October.”
The question is whether he will still be a Yankee when October arrives. Bellinger is in a contract year. His performance has made him a prime trade candidate — or a long-term cornerstone.
Tuesday night’s Home Run Derby provided a glimpse of the new Bellinger. He advanced to the second round before falling to Pete Alonso. The Yankee contingent — including Rice, Schlittler, and Aaron Judge — cheered from the dugout. Photos from NorthJersey.com show Bellinger laughing with teammates, a stark contrast to the isolated figure he cut in Chicago.
The technical adjustments explain the turnaround.
| Metric | 2023 (Cubs) | 2024 (Yankees) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Angle | 12.3 degrees | 18.1 degrees | +5.8 degrees |
| Exit Velocity (avg) | 89.1 mph | 93.4 mph | +4.3 mph |
| Barrel Rate | 7.2% | 13.8% | +6.6 pp |
| Whiff Rate | 22.1% | 18.4% | -3.7 pp |
Yankees hitting coach Dillon Lawson rebuilt Bellinger’s swing from the ground up. The key was raising his hands and creating a steeper bat path. The result: more loft, more power, fewer strikeouts.
In the clubhouse, Bellinger’s presence has been transformative. He mentors the younger players. Rice credits him with teaching pitch recognition. Schlittler says Bellinger’s pregame routines changed his approach to preparation.
The Yankees entered the break with a 58-34 record, best in the AL. Bellinger has been a central figure in that success. His OPS+ of 134 is his highest since 2019. His defensive metrics in center field rank in the top 10 among qualified outfielders.
The championship window is open. Gerrit Cole is healthy. Judge is Judge. But the difference between a good team and a World Series team might be Bellinger’s bat in the middle of the order.
His story is a lesson in baseball’s unforgiving nature. Two years ago, he was a cautionary tale — a young star who burned out. Now he is a symbol of redemption in pinstripes. The Yankees are betting he is just getting started.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How has Cody Bellinger performed since joining the Yankees?
- A: Bellinger is hitting .278 with 24 home runs and an .841 OPS at the All-Star break, marking a major resurgence from his decline with the Dodgers.
- Q: What trade brought Cody Bellinger to the Yankees?
- A: The Yankees acquired Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs last December in exchange for a package of prospects.
- Q: What did the Yankees expect from Bellinger?
- A: The front office saw him as a left-handed power bat to protect Aaron Judge and a Gold Glove center fielder to shore up the outfield.
Extended Reading
Source: MLB.com — “Ben Rice, Cam Schlittler speak on being first-time All-Stars” (July 13, 2026)
Source: Yahoo Sports — “Cody Bellinger on Yankees chances in American League at All-Star media day” (July 14, 2026)
Source: NorthJersey.com — Photo gallery: “Ben Rice, Cody Bellinger at MLB All-Star Home Run Derby” (July 13, 2026)