The Weight of Expectations
The story is the same for every New York team at the start of spring: expectations are sky-high. But for a New York team that just made it to the World Series, those expectations leap to an even higher plane. This year, the Yankees are not just aiming to build on last season’s success; they are determined to go all the way. Cody Bellinger, the son of a two-time Yankees champion and a key acquisition this offseason, brought with him not just his pedigree but also a deep understanding of what it means to be a New Yorker. “The thing that I see is the want to be good, the desire to be good in each and every one of us,” Bellinger said on a sunny Tuesday in Tampa. This hunger and determination are palpable, driving the entire team toward excellence.
A New Beginning for Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger is a name that evokes memories of past glory, but his journey to the Yankees is one of resilience and reinvention. After struggling during his final two years with the Dodgers, where he posted a dismal .193 average and .611 OPS, Bellinger found a second wind in Chicago. Over two seasons with the Cubs, he posted a .286 average and .815 OPS, a clear sign that he was regaining his form. Bellinger attributes this resurgence to a solidified approach and improved mechanics. “I think building a really solid approach over these two years,” he said. “Lost my approach a little bit, lost mechanics a little bit, those are recipes for disaster in this game.” This season, Bellinger is eager to continue his upward trajectory, driven by the support of the Yankees’ staff and the high expectations of the team. “Hasn’t been too much, it’s been solid, and I think it’s actually gonna benefit me,” he added, highlighting the team’s balanced approach to his development.
Batting with the Best
One of the most exciting aspects of Bellinger’s arrival is the potential lineup that awaits him. The possibility of batting ahead of reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge is a tantalizing prospect. Judge’s presence in the lineup is a game-changer, and Bellinger is well aware of this. “Wherever they think is the best possibility for the lineup to be the most fluid, or the most consistent,” he said, showing his flexibility and team-first mindset. “Two, three or four, whatever. Doesn’t matter to me.” Bellinger’s willingness to contribute wherever needed underscores the depth and versatility of the Yankees’ lineup, setting the stage for a formidable offensive force.
The Veteran Presence of Paul Goldschmidt
The Yankees’ offseason moves also brought in veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, a player Bellinger refers to as a "pro’s pro." Goldschmidt’s consistent performance throughout his career, both defensively and offensively, makes him a valuable addition to the team. “That’s a guy that’s been consistent throughout his whole career – defensively, sneaky really, really good base runner, steals bases, the offense speaks for itself,” Bellinger said. Despite a challenging 2023 season with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he posted a career-low .245 average, Goldschmidt remains confident in his abilities. “It was unfortunate, but it wasn’t because of a lack of effort, I was doing everything I could,” he said. Goldschmidt’s resilience and determination are evident, and he is ready to contribute to the Yankees’ success.
A Fresh Start and New Goals
For Goldschmidt, joining the Yankees represents a new chapter and a fresh opportunity. He acknowledges the ups and downs of the previous season but remains focused on the present. “I just didn’t play well. There’s no excuses. I think all I want to do is continue to keep working and try to help us win every night,” he said. Goldschmidt’s second-half resurgence in 2024, where his batting average and OPS improved significantly, gives him confidence heading into spring training. “I know there’s gonna be ups and downs but the more consistent you are, you got a shot every day to help the team,” he added. This mindset of continuous improvement and consistency is crucial for the Yankees’ long-term success.
A Unified Vision for Success
As the Yankees enter the 2024 season, the team is united by a shared vision of excellence. Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt bring a wealth of experience and a deep desire to perform at their best. “For me and Paul, it’s maybe not necessarily replacing anybody, but coming in and performing to our best capability,” Bellinger said. This focus on personal and collective excellence is what sets the Yankees apart. “We strive for that. Every single day… we strive to be excellent, we strive to be great.” The combination of veteran leadership, rising talent, and unwavering determination makes the Yankees a team to watch in the upcoming season. With high expectations and a roster ready to meet them, the Yankees are poised to make another deep postseason run.
