The New York Yankees are now as equipped as ever. After they acquired slugger Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs last December, their aspirations are high. While the camp is throwing and catching at the spring training, Bellinger had some time off from the field to answer queries.
Recently, The New York Post’s columnist Steve Serby sat with 2x All-Star at the training, and they had some interesting conversations. The talk mostly revolved around how Bellinger thinks his time at the Yankees camp will mostly run. And the long give and take was interesting.
When Serby asked Bellinger if he had gone up against Max Fried, he had an honest answer to it.
“I’ve only got a few singles off him. He’s a hard guy to slug. … 1) he throws obviously very hard. The ball’s getting in the mitt really quick. 2) he’s got a mix of five pitches that he can throw for strikes. He just makes it really hard to get your “A” swing off,” Bellinger said.
Cody Bellinger believes return to MVP form possible with Yankees after ‘lonely’ feeling of failure https://t.co/upZJAp8FCf pic.twitter.com/uxeGZGXAg0
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) February 22, 2025
The Yankees made a significant move in response to Juan Soto’s signing with the Mets by securing left-handed pitcher Max Fried. The camp gave him an eight-year, $218 million contract. Fried, who is 31 years old, was an integral part of the Atlanta Braves’ 2021 World Series-winning roster and brings substantial value to the Yankees.
During his eight seasons with the Braves, Fried amassed 884.1 innings pitched, recording 863 strikeouts and maintaining a solid 3.07 ERA. Although he may not be known as a high-strikeout pitcher, Fried excels at inducing ground balls and limiting hard contact.
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Cody Bellinger Thinks He Can Replicate His MVP Form
After joining the Yankees, Cody Bellinger has mostly made his feelings public. He is feeling positive at the camp, and that is all the team needs from him in return for the contract. As NY gears up for spring training, all eyes are on him. The once-dominant slugger who claimed the MVP award in 2019 is keen on reclaiming his former glory.
After dealing with injuries that hampered his performance with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs, Bellinger is optimistic about returning to MVP form.
“Yeah, I definitely do think it’s possible. Like I said, I’m healthy, I’m still really young [29], I’m stronger than I was back then. I would argue I’m the same speed. … I would say it’s possible,” Bellinger said.
Cody Bellinger believes return to MVP form possible with Yankees after ‘lonely’ feeling of failure https://t.co/upZJAp8FCf pic.twitter.com/uxeGZGXAg0
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) February 22, 2025
As he said, his run for another MVP race looks possible. He recorded a phenomenal slash line of .305/.406/.629, belting 47 home runs and driving in 115 runs. Such production made him a complete player for the Dodgers. Though he has struggled to replicate that brilliance in recent years, the combination of age and health might offer another shot at stardom.
With the support of a Yankees team that has a packed roster, he could play a pivotal role in this season’s success, especially in the wake of the loss of Juan Soto. If Bellinger can get anywhere close to his 2019 numbers, the Yankees will consider this trade a major win.
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