How Cody Bellinger Will Protect Aaron Judge In The Yankees Lineup

Aria Freeman

5 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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Bellinger's On-Base Percentage: A Key to Judge's Success

A high on-base percentage (OBP) for the hitter batting behind a power hitter like Judge is paramount. More runners on base translate directly into more RBI opportunities for Judge. Think of it as setting the table – the more runners Bellinger puts on, the more chances Judge has to drive them in.

• Bellinger's career OBP is respectable, showcasing his ability to get on base consistently. While it may fluctuate from year to year, his history demonstrates a knack for reaching base, whether through hits or walks. This consistency is crucial for a lineup looking to maximize run production.
• A higher OBP forces opposing pitchers to pitch more carefully, reducing the likelihood of Judge facing advantageous counts. Pitchers become less willing to throw strikes to Bellinger, fearing he’ll capitalize on a mistake. This more cautious approach increases the chances of Judge seeing more hittable pitches.
• This can lead to more walks and better pitches for Judge to hit. With pitchers focusing on avoiding walks to Bellinger, Judge is more likely to receive pitches in advantageous hitting counts (e.g., 2-0, 3-1) – improving his chances of a powerful hit.

While precise numbers will vary based on the season, Bellinger’s career OBP demonstrates a pattern of getting on base, creating opportunities for Judge to drive in runs. This strategy is crucial for maximizing the impact of a star power hitter like Judge.

The Threat of Bellinger's Power: Forcing Pitchers to Adjust

Bellinger's power hitting is another significant factor in how he protects Judge. The constant threat of a home run from Bellinger forces opposing pitchers to adjust their approach, benefiting Judge in the process.

• Bellinger's history of hitting home runs forces pitchers to stay away from hitting spots, even if it means risking walks. Pitchers will often prioritize avoiding a big hit from Bellinger, leading to more walks.
• This intentional avoidance benefits Judge by increasing his chances of seeing pitches he can drive. With pitchers more focused on avoiding Bellinger, Judge may see pitches more within his power zone and fewer pitches in difficult locations.
• The constant threat of Bellinger hitting for power makes for a more balanced and unpredictable lineup. Opponents can’t simply focus solely on pitching to Judge, making the entire Yankees lineup more difficult to manage.

Bellinger's career home run totals and slugging percentages are strong indicators of his power potential and his ability to force pitchers to adjust their strategies. This indirect influence on Judge's at-bats is a key component of Bellinger's role in protecting Judge.

Bellinger's Versatility: A Strategic Advantage in the Lineup

Bellinger's ability to play multiple positions provides the Yankees with significant lineup flexibility, furthering his impact on Judge's performance.

• Managerial flexibility to adjust the lineup based on opposing pitching matchups. This allows the manager to strategically place Bellinger where he can exploit opposing weaknesses.
• The ability to strategically place Bellinger in the lineup based on his performance and opposing pitchers' weaknesses. This dynamic approach maximizes Bellinger's potential impact and creates a more unpredictable lineup.
• Creates a more dynamic and unpredictable lineup, keeping opposing defenses on their toes. The ability to shift Bellinger around based on the game situation, keeps the opposition guessing and reduces the predictability of the Yankee’s offensive approach.

This versatility, alongside his hitting capabilities, makes Bellinger a valuable asset in maximizing the overall offensive output of the Yankees, providing further protection for Judge.

Reducing the Pressure on Judge

Having a potent hitter like Bellinger batting immediately after Judge significantly reduces the pressure on Judge to perform in every at-bat.

• Judge can approach at-bats with less pressure, knowing a potent hitter is behind him. The weight of expectation lessens – a single or walk becomes perfectly acceptable, knowing Bellinger can drive in the runners.
• Reduced need for Judge to force hits in every appearance, potentially leading to more strategic at-bats. Judge can be more selective at the plate, aiming for quality hits rather than constantly swinging for the fences.
• Improves Judge's overall performance by reducing mental strain. Less pressure equates to better focus and potentially improved decision-making at the plate, boosting overall performance.

This psychological benefit of having Bellinger in the lineup may prove just as important as his statistical contributions in protecting Judge and maintaining his peak performance throughout the season.

Conclusion

In summary, Cody Bellinger's presence in the Yankees' lineup offers multiple layers of protection for Aaron Judge. Bellinger's respectable OBP creates more scoring opportunities, his power hitting forces pitchers to adjust their strategies, and his versatility provides managerial flexibility. These factors collectively lessen the pressure on Judge, enabling him to perform at his peak. The impact of Bellinger on Judge's performance should be significant. How effectively Bellinger protects Judge will be a key storyline to follow throughout the season. We encourage you to share your thoughts on Bellinger’s role protecting Judge and whether you believe he’ll successfully enhance Judge's performance in the comments below! Let's discuss how Cody Bellinger protecting Aaron Judge will impact the Yankees' success this year.