BELLINGER HAS SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT HOW HE FEELS WITH THE YANKS

There’s something incredibly refreshing about seeing Cody Bellinger in pinstripes. He’s a fantastic player, and his arrival in New York brings a level of energy and excitement that’s hard to ignore. Adding to the magic, his father once played for the Yankees, making this moment even more special.

Bellinger opened up about his nerves leading up to his Yankees debut, offering an honest glimpse into his emotions. In a postgame interview, he appeared more animated than usual, reflecting on what it meant to step onto the field for Opening Day.

“Crazy emotions, honestly,” Bellinger shared. “Just so excited, so many nerves, a lot of butterflies. But at the end of the day, you need to embrace them, understand this cool experience. We came out with a W, and that’s the most important thing.”

"Full of crazy emotions...so excited, so many nerves"

Cody Bellinger on his Yankees debut: pic.twitter.com/xqOXxxnJmS

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) March 27, 2025

The Yankees acquired Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs during the offseason in exchange for right-handed pitcher Cody Poteet. Now, with the Cubs designating Poteet for assignment before the start of the season, the trade is looking like a clear win for New York.

If Bellinger can tap into his MVP-caliber form, this move could be a game-changer for the Yankees. Here’s to hoping he thrives in the Bronx and delivers a season to remember.

YANKEES GET THEIR MAN & ASK THE BURNING QUESTION: JUAN SOTO WHO?

The New York Yankees just stole the offseason—again. In a move so aggressive it probably made Steve Cohen spit out his artisanal oat milk latte, Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner have acquired former MVP Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs. The best part? They didn’t even break a sweat. This move screams “Juan Soto who?” and sends a clear message: The Yankees are here to dominate, as usual.

Here’s how it went down: According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Yankees shipped right-hander Cody Poteet to the Cubs for Bellinger and a cool $5 million in cash (thanks for picking up the tab, Chicago). Per Jack Curry of YES Network, Bellinger has been informed that he’ll be manning center field, pushing Aaron Judge back to his Gold Glove perch in right. Yankees fans, you can exhale—this outfield is about to be ridiculous.

For us Yankee diehards, this trade hits differently. Cody’s dad, Clay Bellinger, was part of the Yankees’ dynasty from 1999 to 2001. Clay may not have been a superstar, but he knew how to win. Fun fact: Bleeding Yankee Blue interviewed Clay in 2016, read EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: CLAY BELLINGER. Fast forward to today, and Cody is here to carry on the family tradition of collecting rings in the Bronx.

Remember when Cody Bellinger was a 23-year-old MVP crushing dingers and making it look easy with the Dodgers? Yeah, we’re bringing that guy to Yankee Stadium. Sure, he had a couple of rough seasons, but the Cubs version of Bellinger has been cooking. With his left-handed power, defensive wizardry, and knack for clutch moments, Bellinger is the perfect addition to a Yankees lineup that’s already stacked.

Hey Cashman and Hal, Take a Bow! The Yankees have been eyeing Bellinger for a while, but pulling this off mid-offseason? Pure genius. Cashman’s timing is impeccable, and Hal’s willingness to back the Brinks truck up (even after Chicago threw in $5 million) shows the Yankees mean business. Meanwhile, across town, Uncle Steve is probably rethinking his life choices. Mets fans, it’s okay to cry—the Yankees just played chess while you were busy losing at tic-tac-toe.

Let’s break it down: Aaron Judge gets to chill back in right field where he belongs. Anthony Rizzo gets a lefty buddy in the lineup. And Aaron Boone now has the ultimate trump card with Bellinger’s versatility—he can play center, first base, or wherever Boone’s spreadsheet tells him. The Yankees’ balance just leveled up, and the AL East better watch out.

This isn’t just about regular-season wins; it’s about hoisting the Commissioner’s Trophy. Bellinger’s championship DNA (hello, 2020 Dodgers) is exactly what the Yankees need. And let’s not ignore the added bonus: stealing headlines from the Mets. Cohen’s flashy spending spree looks downright amateurish now. Stay salty, Uncle Steve.

The Evil Empire is back in full force. Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner just delivered a masterclass in front office dominance, leaving the rest of MLB to pick up the pieces. Cody Bellinger is here, the Yankees are loaded, and Juan Soto is officially an afterthought.

So, let’s raise a glass to the Bronx Bombers and their latest heist. As for the Mets? Maybe next century. Shove it, Uncle Steve—the Yankees own this city and the offseason. Mic drop.

HOW DEEP IS THE YANKEES PITCHING STAFF?

I am impressed by Luis Gil every time I watch him do his work. He seemed unfazed by the long anticipated first series of the 2024 season against Boston. And he just did his job. His stuff was just beautiful, capturing his 9th win and a 2.03 ERA. 

Source: AP 

But when I look at the way Alex Verdugo performed against his former team on Friday night, I can't help but point out that the Yankees gave up three pitchers to close that deal with the former Boston outfielder. And what a deal that is turning out to be for the Yankees! Not to mention that the Yankees shipped four pitchers to San Diego for Juan Soto. And did I mention that Gerrit Cole hasn't pitched one ball for the Yankees yet this season as his team continues to soar above the AL East and the rest of baseball? The Yankees' pitching staff is deep. And we are now seeing just how far it goes.

"Cashman made headlines for blowing up at the GM meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz., rather aggressively (and slightly profanely) defending himself and his staff following what he himself described as a “disaster” of a 2023 season. Then a month later, he authored perhaps the best week of a career that’s long and storied (well, it’s now been memorialized in a book, I hear). The rivals understandably don’t make many deals together. The trade of Verdugo for a middle reliever and two middle-rung (at best) minor leaguers was interesting but soon overshadowed by the move for the incomparable Soto," reported The New York Post.

Everyone thought Brian Cashman lost his mind making what seemed very risky moves. But now he appears brilliant and the Yankees continue to exude brilliance down their batting order and across their pitching staff.

I watched Cole hurl 10 strikeouts last night in Rochester as a member of the Rail Riders while Gil impressed us up in Boston. And there are many more arms in the minors with the game acumen and pitching greatness to almost make us forget about Michael King and Jhony Brito. 

Ahead of spring training, Boone said this about the trades and battery of arms in the minors, “I do feel like considering what we lost in some trades this year, I think we’re in a much better depth position that maybe I even expected,” he said. “But you know that depth is going to be challenged. We’ll find out,” reported The Athletic. No one even expected Gil to be as good as he is. And there are guys like Will Warren and Cody Poteet who we saw in Kansas City who can step up as needed as the season progresses.

And it does not end there, we have seen how good Luke Weaver has been in middle relief and there is Clayton Beeter and Chase Hampton who is on the rise as The Athletic predicted in February. Not to mention that the Yankees are getting solid starts from their current rotation behind Gil; again all of this depth and success without Cole.

It going to be an exciting few weeks as the Yankees move into the midway part of a very long season. Pitching depth and success can carry any team further than expected. Let's hope this Yankee team keeps that momentum going and the pitching continues to support the incredible run production we have seen so far this season.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

THE DATE IS SET! COLE'S RETURN IS ALMOST HERE

I've been anxiously awaiting two important moments to happen. One of them is about to happen, and it's been a long time coming. We've all been waiting for the announcement that Gerrit Cole will start a rehab assignment and it's finally here.... tomorrow. The first of two important events is finally here.

Cole's rehab begins tomorrow with Double-A Somerset with a potential return to big league action by the end of June. Aaron Boone says Cole will pitch in "at least a couple" rehab games and I would expect the Yankees to exercise caution and use most of that 30-day rehab clock just to make sure Cole is stretched back out and ready for big league action. You can read more HERE and start to rejoice.

I can be a pretty impatient person, but I think the Yankees have made all the right moves with Cole's rehab so far. I also think that Cole getting closer to a return is a good thing for the rotation since Clarke Schmidt has a lat strain and will likely be out until at least August BUT that shouldn't make them try to speed through his rehab assignment. The Yankees have exceeded expectations without Cole, and the starters have been a strength for this team so there's no need to make hasty decisions.

If Cody Poteet had a disastrous outing, they may feel some pressure to find another solution fast, but for now, there is no reason to believe Poteet can't hold down the last roster spot until Cole returns to the lineup. The Yankees have the ability right now to let Cole slowly ramp up while giving Schmidt the time to rest, which he definitely needs.

A sense of normalcy is on the horizon, and I can't wait. We are all happy with what we have seen so far from the Yankees. I'm happy to see the Yankees competing with the Baltimore Orioles. I really didn't expect to have a three-game lead against them at this point while the rest of the AL East is in the basement but I will take it. It's definitely felt strange to not have our ace throwing meaningful games, and we are finally getting closer to the norm.

I'm ready to see Cole back on that mound pitching in Yankee stadium. We are almost there.... but as long as we get there without setbacks, I will be a happy camper. Tomorrow is step one, but step two is coming soon, and it will be worth the wait.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

A BLOW TO THE YANKEE STARTING ROTATION

Looks like Clarke Schmidt, no question of the Yankees top starters this season, is out with injury. No one wants to hear this as the Yankees have been pretty lucky, only losing Gerrit Cole and DJ LeMahieu for a spell and that proved to be fine as the Yankees really stepped it up this season.  But now you always worry about if the injury plaque will hit the Yankees around this time of year, June, when things start to get important. We will see what happens, but for now, Schmidt is on the shelf.

Empire Sports Media writes:

"Schmidt is sidelined and won’t be throwing for the next 4–6 weeks... This extended absence hints that Schmidt could be out for more than 1.5 months, allowing Cole to reintegrate into the rotation before Schmidt can return to contribute....

In Schmidt’s absence, Cody Poteet will take over his spot. Poteet, 29, has a 1.50 ERA over six innings this season and has pitched 33.1 innings at the Triple-A level with a 4.05 ERA. "

It's good the Yankees can make some moves like this and hopefully it won't be a big factor in a negative way, as I said, we are just getting really going now as June is about to hit the calendar.  We will see.

For now, Get well soon Clarke.