Cody Bellinger will do whatever it takes to help the Yankees.
The newly acquired slugger said Thursday during an introductory press conference that he’s willing to play all over the field if manager Aaron Boone needs him to.
“I told [Boone], where y’all need me to play, I’ll play,” Bellinger said. “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.”
Bellinger, who was traded — along with cash — to the Yankees from the Cubs in exchange for right-hander Cody Poteet on Tuesday, has spent time at all three outfield positions and first base during his eight-year MLB career.
In his first two seasons with the Dodgers in 2017 and 2018, Bellinger spent the majority of his time at first base before moving to right field in 2019.
That year, Bellinger won the NL MVP and Gold Glove award in right field.
In 2024 with Chicago, Bellinger alternated between center and right field with some time at first base mixed in.
If Bellinger becomes the Bronx Bombers’ starting center field, Judge would shift over to right field.
Bellinger could also play left field if Jasson Dominguez takes over in center.
There’s also a chance Bellinger is the Yankees’ first baseman if they don’t make any other additions at the position, though general manager Brian Cashman indicated Wednesday that the team is still engaged in the free agent market, including with first baseman Pete Alonso.
And, as Bellinger suggested, he could always move around the field as needed.
“I learned a lot from Kiké Hernandez,” Bellinger said during the Zoom meeting. “He’s probably one of the best players that I’ve seen at being able to roam around the field and be above average or excellent at every position he plays.
“I got to see how it’s possible and I knew I had the ability to do it. I just like to work at it, get my footwork down and prepare that way. Wherever they need me, I’m available.”
