On June 1, 2025, Cody Bellinger, now a member of the New York Yankees, opened up about the emotional toll of reliving the painful memories from last year’s World Series when the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated his former team. Having returned to major league baseball in 2024 with the Yankees after stints with the Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs, Bellinger shared his vulnerable reflections following a tough loss against the Dodgers, emphasizing the deep connection he still feels toward his previous experiences and current challenges with New York. His candid remarks highlight the emotional rollercoaster experienced by athletes facing high expectations and intense competition.
Bellinger Reflects on a Difficult Series Against the Dodgers
Once a celebrated player for the Dodgers, Bellinger’s career took a winding path from his peak days in 2019, regarded as one of the game‘s top athletes for his versatility and power hitting, to signing with the Cubs as a free agent after 2022, before landing with the Yankees in 2024. His emotional response surfaced vividly after the Yankees’ heavy 18-2 loss to the Dodgers in an AL East series, evoking memories of his previous World Series heartbreak.
The Yankees entered the 2024 season as a dominant force, leading the AL East with a 35-22 record, yet the recent defeats against the Dodgers shocked fans and players alike. During a YES Network interview, when questioned about the Dodgers scoring so many runs, Bellinger described the situation as “tough” and focused on what lay ahead:
Try to get a win tomorrow.
—Cody Bellinger, New York Yankees Player
He also praised the Dodgers’ pitching, crediting their strategic approach in limiting Yankees’ star Aaron Judge, one of the league’s prime hitters and an MVP contender this year. Bellinger noted,
Yeah, I think they really did a great job mixing, ahh, you know, maybe chasing a little bit, a little bit too much, you know, just the way the game went today.
—Cody Bellinger, New York Yankees Player
This recognition of the Dodgers’ pitching strength, combined with their hitters’ relentless scoring, illustrated just how challenging the games were for the Yankees. Despite the setbacks, Bellinger expressed optimism about the team’s ability to take it one game at a time and bounce back stronger in the series.
Performance Highlights and Bellinger’s Contributions This Season
Although the Yankees suffered through tough losses, individual performances still shined. Aaron Judge managed to hit a home run, marking his second against the Dodgers. Yet, the Dodgers’ standout star Shohei Ohtani outmatched him with two home runs on the same night. Meanwhile, Bellinger himself has delivered solid contributions in 2024, hitting home runs and boosting his batting average to .253, complemented by a .324 on-base percentage and a .767 OPS—statistical improvements compared to his stint with the Dodgers.
Insights Into Why the Dodgers Let Bellinger Go
Despite his early successes, Bellinger’s offensive output with the Dodgers ultimately did not meet expectations, leading to the team’s decision to non-tender him after the 2022 season. Over 239 games with Los Angeles, his batting average settled at .193 with 29 home runs—numbers that fell short of the promise he once displayed. A significant turning point was a right shoulder injury sustained during the 2020 World Series, which hampered his power at the plate.
In 2020, limited to 56 games, Bellinger managed a .239 batting average and 12 home runs, a performance that was acceptable but underwhelming for a player of his caliber. Following that injury, he struggled to regain consistency. His 2022 season saw him in 144 games but hitting just .210, with modest totals across triples, stolen bases, doubles, RBIs, and home runs. These diminishing returns prompted the Dodgers to release him into free agency at the close of that campaign.
Rebounding With the Cubs and Renewed Hope With the Yankees
The 2023 season brought a resurgence for Bellinger with the Chicago Cubs, where he hit 26 home runs, climbing out of his slump with noticeably improved statistics. This revival paved the way for his contract with the New York Yankees in 2024, where he has continued to build on this momentum, combining experience and determination to make a meaningful impact.
Significance of Bellinger’s Journey and What Lies Ahead
Cody Bellinger’s story exemplifies the highs and lows faced by professional athletes—early fame, injury setbacks, transitions between teams, and the ongoing drive to prove oneself. His emotional connection to both the Dodgers and the Yankees illustrates how deeply sports personalities remain tied to their histories and fan bases. The 2024 season will likely test his resilience and growth further, as he strives to help the Yankees overcome challenges and chase postseason success amid stiff competition in the AL East.
As the Yankees endeavor to recover from recent defeats against the Dodgers, Bellinger’s determination and emotional truth provide a compelling narrative of perseverance. His journey, marked by hardship and regained confidence, could inspire fans and teammates alike as the season unfolds.