The Yankees' Plan: Using Cody Bellinger To Protect Aaron Judge

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Bellinger's On-Base Skills: A Crucial Element of Protection

A high on-base percentage (OBP) is the cornerstone of effective offensive protection, and this is precisely where Cody Bellinger excels. His ability to consistently get on base forces opposing pitchers to alter their approach, making life significantly easier for Aaron Judge.

• Bellinger's career OBP and its potential impact: Bellinger boasts a career OBP that, while fluctuating, demonstrates a consistent ability to reach base. Even a modest improvement in his OBP in the pinstripes could significantly impact the Yankees' offense. A higher OBP translates directly to more opportunities for Judge to drive in runs.
• Reducing double plays and creating scoring opportunities: With Bellinger on base, the likelihood of inning-ending double plays decreases dramatically. This keeps the pressure on opposing pitchers and creates more opportunities for multiple runs per inning. A runner on first is a threat that forces a more cautious pitching approach.
• Setting up RBI opportunities for Judge: This is the crux of the Yankees' plan. By getting on base frequently, Bellinger sets the table for Judge, providing him with runners in scoring position and maximizing his RBI potential. Judge's power is amplified when he's not constantly facing the pressure of needing to carry the offense single-handedly.

The Impact on Pitching Strategies

The presence of a high-OBP hitter like Bellinger fundamentally alters opposing pitching strategies. Pitchers will face a difficult choice: pitch carefully to Bellinger and risk a walk, potentially leading to a runner in scoring position for Judge, or pitch aggressively and risk giving up a hit, possibly a home run.

• Increased fastball counts to Judge: To avoid walking Bellinger, pitchers might feel compelled to throw more fastballs to Judge, making him more susceptible to hitting home runs.
• Increased risk of home runs: The fear of giving up a home run to Bellinger is a significant factor. This makes the decision to pitch aggressively to Bellinger even more risky for opposing pitchers.
• Intentional walks for Bellinger: The strategy of intentionally walking Bellinger to get to a weaker hitter might become a more frequent occurrence, but this depends on the strength of the batter following Bellinger in the lineup.

Bellinger's Power Potential: A Secondary Run Producer

While Bellinger's on-base skills are key to protecting Judge, his own power potential provides another layer of offensive protection. Having two potent power hitters in the lineup drastically changes the dynamic of the game.

• Past power numbers and potential resurgence: Bellinger's past performance demonstrates his considerable power. A return to those numbers, or even a slight improvement, would make him a significant run producer in his own right, taking the pressure off Judge.
• Benefits of two potent power hitters: The impact of two power hitters in the lineup is significant. This forces opposing teams to use more of their bullpen resources and alter their pitching rotations to manage the threat presented by this formidable power duo.
• Effect on opposing pitching rotations and bullpen usage: Having Bellinger and Judge in the lineup forces managers to plan carefully, utilizing their bullpen resources strategically. This extra burden can create late-game opportunities for the Yankees to break open games.

The Lineup Order Advantage

Strategic placement of Bellinger in the batting order is crucial to maximize his protective effect on Judge. Positioning Bellinger immediately before or after Judge in the batting order ensures that opposing pitchers will face a constant threat.

• Effect on overall run production: The strategic placement of Bellinger in the lineup significantly contributes to the overall run production by the team.
• Psychological impact on opposing pitchers: Facing a potentially powerful hitter like Bellinger back-to-back or near to Judge exerts a significant psychological impact on opposing pitchers, increasing the likelihood of mistakes and boosting the team's scoring chances.

Beyond the Numbers: The Intangibles of Team Dynamics

The addition of a veteran player like Bellinger provides intangible benefits to the team's chemistry and leadership.

• Mentorship to younger players: Bellinger's experience and success can serve as a valuable source of mentorship for younger players on the Yankees roster.
• Established stars leading the offense: Having two established stars leading the offense creates a positive and confident atmosphere within the team.
• Positive team atmosphere contributes to success: A strong team atmosphere and positive leadership contribute significantly to the overall success of the team. Bellinger's presence can help solidify this team unity.

Conclusion

The Yankees' acquisition of Cody Bellinger is more than just adding another star player; it's a strategic move designed to maximize Aaron Judge's impact. By leveraging Bellinger's on-base skills and power potential, the Yankees aim to create a formidable offensive lineup that overwhelms opposing pitching staffs. The protection provided by Bellinger will allow Judge to see more advantageous pitches and potentially increase his already impressive offensive numbers. This calculated strategy, incorporating both statistical analysis and intangible team benefits, suggests the Yankees are building a powerful and well-rounded team poised for a successful 2024 season. To stay updated on the Yankees' progress and further analysis of their strategic decisions, follow us for more articles on the Yankees' plan to utilize Cody Bellinger to protect Aaron Judge and enhance their overall offensive strategy.