2x All-Star Cody Bellinger open to playing several positions with NY Yankees following trade from Cubs

Two-time MLB All-Star Cody Bellinger has expressed that he is willing to play any position in the field for the New York Yankees.

2x All-Star Cody Bellinger open to playing several positions with NY Yankees following trade from Cubs

Cody Bellinger (Image via ESPN)

The New York Yankees recently landed former NL MVP Cody Bellinger from a trade deal with the Chicago Cubs. His move sparked some curious discussion on where he would play for the team. While meeting the Yankees media for the first time, the 29-year-old has now opened up on playing several positions.

For the most part of his career, Bellinger has played as an outfielder in the center field. However, since his move to the Cubs, he has operated on the first base as well. Sometimes he has also played as the designated hitter.

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On Tuesday, reports had emerged that Bellinger was told he would be playing in the center field position for the Yankees. A day later, Yankees coach Aaron Boone dismissed these talks and called this “fake news“.

During a Zoom interview with SNY on Thursday, Bellinger expressed his excitement about joining the Bronx Bombers. The two-time MVP claimed that he is willing to play anywhere on the field if his new coach Boone wants him to.

I told (Boone), where y’all need me to play, I’ll play. Whether it’s left, center, or if (Aaron) Judge gets a DH day, I’ll play right. Or if you need me at first base, I’ll play first. It helps the teams that I’m on win and I enjoy doing that…Wherever they need me, I’m available.

Cody Bellinger said on SNY

The first base is one position that the Yankees are looking to strengthen. After the World Series loss, the Yankees declined the $17 million club option for Anthony Rizzo and instead paid the $6 million buyout in his contract and made him a free agent.

Since then the team has been linked with some top free agent first baseman. If the team fails to sign anyone for that position, Bellinger could be an option for the first base while top prospect Jasson Dominguez could be slotted in the center field position.

Cody Bellinger comments on his father’s reaction to him joining the Yankees

Cody Bellinger’s relationship with the New York Yankees goes way back. His father, Clay Bellinger, spent four seasons in the major league, three with the Yankees and won two World Series rings with them. In his interview with SNY, Cody commented on his father’s reaction to him joining the Yankees and following in his footsteps.

Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger (Image via X)

In the interview, Bellinger pointed out that he called his father after his move and claimed that he (Clay) was excited for him. The 2020 World Series winner later added that he grew up with the Pettittes (Andy Pettitte’s family) in the upstate.

When I got the news I called him and he was very excited. He plays it all cool but I know deep down that he’s really excited… We lived in Upstate growing up. I grew up with the Pettittes, growing up in that kid’s room. I have some very solid memories of it.

Cody Bellinger said on SNY

Clay and Cody Bellinger are now the fourth father-son duo who have played for the Yankees. They join the likes of Yogi and Dale Berra, Ron and Ike Davis, and Mark Leiter and Mark Leiter Jr. in this exclusive club.