Mid-Season Form: Cody Bellinger Was High On Life During His Introductory Media Session With The Yankees

Cody Bellinger was introduced as a New York Yankee this morning and it went just about as you'd expect. The zoom video from his room popped up to show a man on Pluto. If I didn't know any better I'd guess he just rushed in from hot boxing his treehouse in the backyard. His resting high face will never not make me laugh. Always looks dazed and confused no matter the time of day. Welcome to the Yankees, Cody. 

One thing is very clear, Bellinger wants to be a Yankee. Sometimes this organization goes out and acquires guys who have no fit in this city. Joey Gallo was scared to leave his apartment. Cody Bellinger wants this opportunity and I love that. 

What version of Bellinger are you getting? Yeah, that's the big question. Metrics hate him and predict he'll dip in production from last year, which was a size-able dip in production from 2023. His statline sort of shows he's a unicorn who defies the under-the-hood stats that say otherwise. Why his hard hit rate, barrel %, and bat speed don't show much,  he does have an incredible ability of consistently squaring up the ball. Positive me thinks with the short porch in right, a good bill of health, and serious lineup protection he'll be a welcomed addition. Keep in mind he was pretty much acquired for nothing but money from the Cubs. It was a no brainer trade that could end up being a massive steal. 

First base is the next big issue to tackle, assuming Bellinger finds a home in left or center. Pete Alonso's name is out there, but he wants a 5-6 year deal. I've heard through my own channels that Paul Goldschmidt on a cheap one year deal is very much on the table. There's also Christian Walker, who has a qualifying offer attached, as well as trade pieces like Nathaniel Lowe or Yandy Diaz. Goldschmidt definitely gives me the most pause as every stat or fact about him wants you to believe he's cooked. He'll be cheap though, and the fact that they're shelling out cash for Fried and Belly with another infield position also needing addressing might point them in that direction. We shall see. 

If you need me, I'll be thinking about this swing in The Bronx.