Cody Bellinger’s swing might be turning the corner—literally and statistically.
According to The Athletic’s Eno Sarris, Bellinger has raised his average swing speed from 69.1 mph in 2024 to 71.6 mph this season, the fifth-largest year-over-year jump in Sarris' database. That leap from below average to slightly above could make all the difference in Bellinger’s second act with the Yankees.
Bat speed is a telltale stat. Faster swings generally mean harder contact and more consistent power production. Bellinger’s early-season Baseball Savant profile further supports the hope that he is rebounding. Bellinger's average exit velocity is up to 90.3 mph (from 87.9 in 2024), while his barrel rate has climbed to 9.1%, compared to just 6.1% last season. His hard-hit rate sits at 42.4%, a jump from 35.9% in 2024.
The ball is jumping off his bat more than it has in years. Yes, this could result from Bellinger using a torpedo bat this season, but no matter how it happens, it could be big.
Bellinger hit 26 homers and won a Silver Slugger with the Cubs in 2023 before struggling through an injury-hampered 2024. He is still only 29 and a right-field porch in Yankee Stadium working in his favor.
“If he can hit 25 homers again—and his new bat speed says he could—he’ll help make up for that loss,” Sarris wrote, referencing the departure of Juan Soto.
The Yankees pivoted to trading for Bellinger after losing Juan Soto in free agency. They needed a lefty-power bat to help protect Aaron Judge and to try and take advantage of that short porch in right field. They aren't expecting him to replicate the 41 home runs that Soto game them last year.
But 25 home runs will certainly help make up for that loss.
While the sample size is small, the results so far are not overwhelming. Bellinger missed two games with a tight back, so in eight games he's hitting .233 with a home run and six RBI.
But the signs are promising. A more explosive swing, better contact quality, and a favorable hitting environment could turn Bellinger’s season into something much bigger.
This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.
