After losing star outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Mets in free agency, the New York Yankees responded by acquiring Cody Bellinger, whose presence has made a notable difference in the team’s performance this season. Bellinger’s impact on the New York Yankees has been particularly evident as he has steadily improved and helped fill the void left by Soto’s departure.
Bellinger’s Steady Improvement Boosts Yankees
Although Cody Bellinger experienced a slow start during the early part of the 2025 season, he has since found a strong rhythm at the plate. Through the month of May, Bellinger has raised his batting average to an impressive .318, lifting his season mark to .258, complemented by eight home runs and 32 runs batted in. This resurgence highlights his growing importance as a key contributor on offense for the Yankees.
The Yankees’ offseason moves went beyond Bellinger, as the team also added pitcher Max Fried, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, and reliever Devin Williams, collectively strengthening the roster. These strategic acquisitions aimed to support the team’s bid for a stronger season after losing Soto in free agency.
Juan Soto’s Struggles in Queens Prompt Debate
In contrast, Juan Soto has faced considerable difficulty adapting to the New York Mets. His batting average has dipped to .224, and he has notably gone hitless during his last 10 at-bats. Additionally, Soto has attracted attention for perceived lack of hustle, fueling discussions about whether he regrets signing a lengthy 15-year contract with the Mets. These ongoing struggles have cast doubt over his fit in Queens and his long-term performance.
Clay Bellinger Endorses Yankees’ Decision Over Soto
Clay Bellinger, Cody’s father and a former Yankees outfielder with two World Series titles, expressed support for New York’s choice to let Soto leave. In an interview with TMZ Sports, he explained why this decision made sense from his perspective.
You’re getting three or four guys instead of one,
Clay Bellinger said.
It ended up being a no-brainer. For me, anyway.
This statement underscores how the Yankees’ broader approach to improving their roster through multiple acquisitions has, in Clay Bellinger’s view, paid off more than relying on a single star player like Soto.
Family Influence Played Role in Soto’s Mets Signing
According to baseball insider Bob Nightengale, Soto’s decision during free agency was heavily influenced by discussions with his family. Nightengale revealed that the Yankees believed Soto was close to re-signing on December 11 but that Soto asked for more time to consult with relatives over lunch. Shortly after, he signed with the Mets instead.
The New York Yankees are convinced that Juan Soto was ready to re-sign with them on Dec. 11,
Nightengale detailed.
He asked for a bit more time, was going to discuss it with his family during lunch, and the next thing they knew he was signing with the Mets after being persuaded by family members.
This insight sheds light on the personal factors that impacted the negotiations, suggesting that Soto’s move was not solely based on baseball considerations.
Assessing the Long-Term Outlook for Yankees and Soto
While it remains to be seen how both Juan Soto and the Yankees will ultimately fare following this offseason’s major roster changes, Cody Bellinger’s early success indicates the Yankees have made shrewd personnel decisions. With contributions from several new key players, the Bronx team appears poised to remain competitive despite the loss of Soto. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Bellinger’s performance continues to drive the team’s success as the season progresses.