Cody Bellinger's Role In Protecting Aaron Judge In The Yankees Lineup

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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Bellinger's On-Base Percentage (OBP) as a Protection Tool

One of the most effective ways to protect a power hitter like Aaron Judge is to ensure that pitchers can't simply walk him intentionally to avoid giving up a home run. This is where a high on-base percentage (OBP) from the batter ahead becomes invaluable. Cody Bellinger's ability to get on base consistently prevents opposing pitchers from strategically avoiding Judge. A high OBP creates a constant threat, forcing pitchers to pitch to Judge, even if they'd prefer not to.

• Bellinger's Career OBP: While his OBP has fluctuated throughout his career, his ability to consistently reach base, even without hitting home runs, presents a significant challenge to opposing pitching strategies. Comparing his OBP to league averages throughout his career showcases his value in this specific aspect of the game.
• Forcing Pitchers to Pitch to Judge: Numerous instances throughout the season will demonstrate situations where Bellinger’s presence on base forced the opposing pitcher to engage with Judge, leading to scoring opportunities.
• Setting the Table for Judge: Getting on base ahead of Judge creates high-leverage situations with runners in scoring position, significantly increasing the Yankees' run-scoring potential. This is a fundamental aspect of lineup protection and one Bellinger excels at.

Bellinger's Power Potential as a Secondary Threat

Even if a pitcher chooses to pitch around Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger's power hitting provides another layer of protection. The threat of Bellinger hitting a home run himself keeps pitchers honest. They can't afford to be overly cautious with Judge, as a mistake to Bellinger can be just as devastating. This two-pronged power attack makes the Yankees lineup incredibly difficult to navigate for opposing pitching staffs.

• Home Run Threat: Bellinger’s history shows a substantial ability to hit for power. His home run potential represents a serious threat in its own right, forcing pitchers to consider the consequences of pitching around Judge.
• Impact of a Bellinger Home Run: A Bellinger home run, particularly following a Judge walk, completely shifts the momentum of a game, potentially breaking open a tight contest. This demonstrates the ripple effect of his power on the Yankees' offensive performance.
• Contrasting Power Styles: Judge's power is often characterized by towering, high-trajectory home runs, while Bellinger's power displays more versatility in hit type. This contrasting style benefits the Yankees by providing a variety of threats within the heart of their lineup.

Bellinger's Versatility and Defensive Contributions

Beyond his offensive contributions, Cody Bellinger's positional versatility adds another dimension to his value in protecting Aaron Judge. His ability to play multiple positions allows the Yankees manager more flexibility in constructing the lineup and defense, leading to a more balanced and effective overall team performance. This indirect impact further contributes to reducing pressure on both the pitching and offensive aspects of the game.

• Positional Flexibility: Bellinger's ability to capably play multiple positions in the outfield and even at first base provides the manager with valuable lineup options. This flexibility benefits the Yankees overall, not just the offensive lineup.
• Defensive Metrics: While offensive numbers are critical, Bellinger’s contributions to the Yankees’ defense should not be overlooked. Analyzing metrics such as his fielding percentage and other defensive contributions showcases the holistic impact he has on the team.
• Strong Defense = Reduced Pressure: A strong defense reduces the pressure on the offense. By mitigating the impact of opposing offenses, the Yankees’ pitching staff can perform more effectively, positively impacting the team's overall performance. This further contributes to a more sustainable winning strategy.

Conclusion: The Importance of Cody Bellinger in Protecting Aaron Judge

In conclusion, Cody Bellinger's impact on the Yankees' lineup extends far beyond his individual statistics. His high OBP prevents pitchers from intentionally walking Aaron Judge, his power hitting keeps pitchers honest, and his defensive versatility adds flexibility to the team's overall strategy. Understanding Cody Bellinger's crucial role in protecting Aaron Judge is key to appreciating the Yankees' offensive strategy. Learn more about the dynamics of lineup protection in baseball and how it impacts player performance!