How Cody Bellinger Will Protect Aaron Judge In The Yankees Lineup

Natalie Brooks

4 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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Bellinger's On-Base Percentage and its Impact on Judge

Protecting a power hitter like Judge requires more than just raw power; it demands a high on-base percentage (OBP). A hitter with a high OBP forces pitchers to be more cautious, leading to more advantageous plate appearances for the cleanup hitter. Bellinger, throughout his career, has demonstrated the ability to get on base consistently. His impact on Judge's at-bats will be substantial due to this ability.

• A Proven Track Record of Walks: Bellinger possesses a keen eye at the plate, evidenced by his career walk rate, consistently drawing pitches and forcing pitchers to work deeper into counts. This patience at the plate is crucial for setting the table for Judge.
• Beyond Walks: Hitting for Average: While his power is undeniable, Bellinger also has the ability to hit for average, picking up singles and adding to his on-base total. These seemingly small contributions are vital in creating scoring opportunities.
• The Ripple Effect on Pitching Strategies: A high OBP from Bellinger inherently changes the pitching approach. Pitchers will be less inclined to throw Judge challenging pitches early in the count, fearing Bellinger’s ability to reach base and create a scoring opportunity. This strategic shift could significantly increase Judge's production.

Bellinger's Power Potential as a Run Producer

Bellinger's power is a game-changer. Having a hitter capable of driving in runs even without Judge on base adds another layer of offensive threat to the Yankees' lineup. The mere presence of a powerful hitter like Bellinger in the lineup forces pitchers to alter their strategies.

• Driving in Runs Regardless of Judge's Position: Even when Judge is not on base, Bellinger's home run threat ensures runs can still be scored, preventing the Yankees' offense from becoming too reliant on a single player.
• Forcing Pitching Mistakes: The constant threat of Bellinger hitting a home run forces pitchers to be less precise, leading to mistakes that other Yankees hitters can capitalize on. This pressure on the opposing pitcher improves the overall offensive output.
• Creating RBI Opportunities: Bellinger's ability to get on base and his power hitting create ample opportunities for Judge to drive in runs. This complementary dynamic will significantly increase the team's run-scoring potential.

Strategic Lineup Placement and its Influence

The Yankees will need to strategically place Bellinger in the lineup to maximize his impact on Judge's at-bats. Batting Bellinger directly before or after Judge offers distinct advantages.

• Batting Before Judge: This position puts immediate pressure on the pitcher. If Bellinger reaches base, it forces the pitcher to pitch cautiously to Judge, potentially leading to more walks or hit-by-pitches.
• Batting After Judge: If Judge reaches base, Bellinger has a chance to drive him in with his considerable power, capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
• The Broader Lineup Context: The effectiveness of either strategy also relies on the performance of the other batters surrounding Judge and Bellinger in the lineup. A strong lineup overall amplifies the protection Bellinger provides to Judge.

The Impact of Bellinger's Defensive Contributions

Beyond his offensive capabilities, Bellinger's solid defense also contributes positively to the team’s overall performance. His versatility in the outfield allows the Yankees more flexibility in their defensive strategy, freeing up resources elsewhere.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cody Bellinger's presence in the Yankees' lineup promises to significantly enhance Aaron Judge's offensive performance. Bellinger's high on-base percentage, substantial power, and strategic lineup placement will create a formidable combination, reducing pitching pressure on Judge and driving up the Yankees' overall run production. The synergistic effect of Bellinger's offensive and defensive skills promises a significant upgrade for the team. How do you think Cody Bellinger protecting Aaron Judge will affect the Yankees’ success this season? Share your thoughts on how Cody Bellinger will protect Aaron Judge in the comments below and let's continue the discussion about the Yankees' dynamic new lineup and the impact of Cody Bellinger protecting Aaron Judge!