Cody Bellinger is known for his defensive versatility, and despite some reports that he was told he would primarily play center field in 2025, the newest Yankee told reporters on Thursday that he will play wherever he is needed during his first season in pinstripes.
Bellinger revealed that he talked to Aaron Boone after the trade was made and made it known to his new manager that he is more than willing to maximize his versatile portfolio, which could be big for a Yankees team that still has questions in the outfield and at first base.
“I just wanted to let him know how I’m feeling. I told him wherever y’all need me to play, I’ll play,” Bellinger said. “Whether it’s left, center...I’ll play first base.
“I enjoy doing that stuff. I think it helps the team...I enjoy doing that.”
Aaron Judge will almost certainly move back to his natural right field, leaving Bellinger to slide into center or left field, depending on where the Yanks want to try out Jasson Dominguez in what could be his first full big league season.
Dominguez struggled in left field in a small sample size last year, and noted his comfortability in center, so the yanks could ask Bellinger to play left field and replace Alex Verdugo. If so, Bellinger has made only 37 starts in left field, as opposed to 449 in center. If the Yanks don’t add a first baseman this offseason, Bellinger could be asked to head to the infield, where he has made 271 career starts at first.
Whatever the outcome, Bellinger is ready to embrace his new surroundings, even if they consistently change in terms of where he’s standing on the diamond.
“Wherever they need me, I’m available,” Bellinger said. “I like doing it. It excites me.
“Everything about it excites me. The organization, the fans, the stadium, the atmosphere...I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about everything. I’m excited to be a part of it and get to work.”