How Cody Bellinger Will Protect Aaron Judge In The Yankees' 2024 Season

Mei Lin

3 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Bellinger's On-Base Percentage (OBP) as a Key Protection Tool

One of the most effective ways to protect a power hitter like Aaron Judge is to place a high-OBP hitter directly in front of him. This forces opposing pitchers to pitch to Bellinger, significantly reducing the frequency of intentional walks to Judge. Bellinger boasts a career OBP that consistently outperforms the league average. While his OBP has fluctuated throughout his career, his ability to get on base consistently makes him a valuable asset in this regard.

• Forces pitchers to throw more strikes: A high OBP hitter puts pressure on the pitcher to throw strikes, increasing the chance of a walk or a hit, even if it's not a home run.
• Creates more opportunities for RBI situations: With Bellinger on base, Judge's hits have a higher probability of driving in runs. This increases his overall offensive contribution even if he doesn't hit as many home runs.
• Increases the chances of runners on base for Judge: More runners on base mean more scoring opportunities, even if Judge doesn't hit a home run in every at-bat. This diversified approach enhances the Yankees' scoring potential.

Bellinger's Power Potential as a Run Producer

Bellinger's offensive contribution extends beyond his OBP. His considerable power hitting capability directly contributes to the Yankees' run production, lessening the reliance on Judge for all RBIs. While the intentional walk strategy aims to remove Judge from scoring opportunities, Bellinger's potential for home runs and RBIs provides valuable insurance runs even when Judge is not at bat.

His past performance showcases his ability to hit for power, even in seasons where his overall batting average dipped. Key stats supporting this include:

• Home Runs (HR): Bellinger has demonstrated the capacity for significant home run totals throughout his career, offering an impressive power threat in the Yankees' lineup.
• Runs Batted In (RBI): His ability to drive in runs, irrespective of Judge's position in the batting order, represents a substantial offensive boost for the team.
• Slugging Percentage (SLG): A high slugging percentage directly reflects Bellinger’s power hitting capabilities, showcasing his ability to hit for extra bases.

The Impact of Bellinger's Versatility in the Lineup

Beyond his offensive prowess, Bellinger's versatility significantly impacts the Yankees' strategic flexibility. His ability to play multiple outfield positions offers manager Aaron Boone valuable options for defensive positioning and lineup construction.

• Allows for strategic defensive positioning: Bellinger can be positioned to counter specific opposing hitters, maximizing defensive efficiency.
• Provides rest days for other players: His flexibility allows for rest and rotation among other outfielders, preventing injuries and fatigue.
• Creates lineup flexibility to counter different pitching matchups: This dynamic allows the Yankees to tailor their lineup to exploit specific opposing pitchers’ weaknesses and avoid their strengths.

Conclusion: Cody Bellinger's Crucial Role in Yankees' Success

In conclusion, Cody Bellinger's addition to the New York Yankees significantly enhances their offensive strategy. His high OBP directly protects Aaron Judge from intentional walks, while his power hitting and positional versatility provide a balanced and potent lineup. By lessening the pressure on Judge to carry the entire offense, Bellinger helps create a more unpredictable and potent offensive attack. Keep an eye on how Cody Bellinger protects Aaron Judge in the 2024 season, and discover how his contributions will significantly impact the Yankees’ quest for a championship. Follow the Yankees' success as Cody Bellinger’s contributions become apparent and witness firsthand how he changes the game.