Boomer & Gio: Cody Bellinger is a 'risk worth taking' for Yankees
The Yankees finally completed a much-anticipated trade on Tuesday, acquiring Cody Bellinger and cash from the Cubs for depth pitcher Cody Poteet.
The move gives the Yanks some much-needed versatility and offensive boost at one of two positions where they were severely lacking last season, as Bellinger could play first base or outfield. He wasn’t much more than a slightly above average hitter in 2024 by several statistical categories, but he is a former MVP who had a very solid 2023 campaign, so Boomer and Gio both see the trade as a win for the Yankees, even if Bellinger may not get back to the hitter he was two seasons ago.
“Bellinger at his best at Yankee stadium could be a major weapon,” Gio said. “He’s got one of the sweetest swings in the game from the left side…but his numbers were down last year.
“This could go either way.”
Boomer agrees that there is some risk involved given Bellinger’s decline in production last year, but the Yanks gave away essentially nothing to address a big need in a lefty bat with defensive versatility, so he likes the move.
“This is a risk worth taking…he can play first base or center field…we’ll see if they go after someone else, like an Alex Bregman,” Boomer said.
“I think he will have a much better season than he did last year. He should be excited about joining this lineup and hitting behind or in front of Aaron Judge. If I’m him, I woke up this morning feeling like I can’t wait for baseball season to start.”
