The Yankees’ acquisition of Cody Bellinger from the Cubs wasn’t just a front office decision – it came with a strong endorsement from team captain Aaron Judge.
Judge was a “big reason” the Yankees pursued Bellinger, according to owner Hal Steinbrenner in a recent interview with YES Network’s Meredith Marokovitz. It’s a clear sign that Judge’s influence extends beyond the field and into the team’s personnel decisions.
The move for Bellinger came after the Yankees missed out on Juan Soto early in the offseason. They quickly pivoted, signing Max Fried to a $218 million deal and targeting a left-handed bat to strengthen their lineup.
Bellinger’s swing seems tailor-made for Yankee Stadium’s short right-field porch. He’ll man center field, allowing Judge to stay in right while giving the lineup some needed left-handed balance. With Judge and Giancarlo Stanton providing protection in the order, Bellinger could be in line for a strong season in the Bronx.
The 29-year-old brings an impressive resume to New York. He’s a former MVP, two-time All-Star, and has both Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards to his name. While his .818 career OPS shows his potential, his 2024 numbers were solid if unspectacular – a .266/.325/.426 slash line with 23 homers and a 111 OPS+.
The Cubs essentially made this a salary dump, taking right-hander Cody Poteet in return while sending $5 million to help offset Bellinger’s contract. That’s the kind of deal that could look very smart if Bellinger’s left-handed power plays up in his new home park.
What’s particularly interesting is how this move reflects the Yankees’ evolving power structure. Judge’s input on personnel moves suggests the captain’s role goes beyond traditional on-field leadership – he’s becoming a key voice in shaping the roster’s future.
