The New York Yankees just pulled off a stellar trade that has everyone talking—Cody Bellinger is now Bronx-bound. After losing Juan Soto to the New York Mets, the Yankees needed a big-time player, and they got it, snagging Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs and, along with $5 million in cash considerations, sending Cody Poteet across. For sure, the Yankees are hoping that Bellinger’s clutch hitting and his defensive skills can fill in the Soto gap.

But this trade isn’t just business; it’s more personal. Cody’s dad, Clay Bellinger, is a known name in the Yankees’ lore. He played with the team from 1999 to 2001, appearing in 181 games and even earning not one but two World Series rings. Then in 2002, he joined the Anaheim Angels but only played two games. Now, two decades later, his son is stepping into the same pinstripes as him—it’s a full-circle moment for the family. Clay has even pitched a crazy idea to the Yankees!

Clay Bellinger pitches an idea

Clay Bellinger is for sure more than thrilled with his son walking his steps literally. He then posted a picture of him on Instagram and hinted, “Wow!! Pretty cool and crazy at the same time. Might even be wearing the same number.” Cody Bellinger, of course, is referring to his jersey number, which is No. 35. The number isn’t retired, so it is still available, and hence there is more speculation on whether this could be a hint that Cody Bellinger would wear 35 indeed. Well, Cody Bellinger did wear No. 35 during his first six seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but then, he switched to No. 24 with the Chicago Cubs.

So will everyone see Cody Bellinger wear the same number as he steps into the Bronx stadium? If he does, it’s surely going to be a special moment. Clay, his father, hit his first MLB home run in pinstripes. A moment so iconic that even MLB shared it on their social media recently, and it’s going viral. They captioned the video, “It’s a family thing… Cody Bellinger’s dad, Clay, hit his first Major League home run with the Yankees.”

In the video, Clay Bellinger had fired a shot to left field and the entire Yankee stadium erupted in loud cheers and a standing ovation. What’s even better is that Clay and Cody will be the fourth father-son duo to play for the New York Yankees. Another connection he has with the team is that Cody will be working with his wife’s ex! Yes, the mother of his children used to date Giancarlo Stanton back in 2018 and 2019.

Cody Bellinger joining the Yankees makes sense

The New York Yankees landing Cody Bellinger makes a lot of sense. He is a two-time All-Star and comes with a world championship pedigree. Bellinger is a Gold Glove winner and a National League MVP. Now Cody has had his fair share of ups and downs, but after he came to the Cubs, he shined brightly. And the numbers talk – in 2024, with the Chicago Cubs, he posted a solid .266 batting average, hitting 18 home runs with 78 RBIs and a .751 OPS over 130 games.

Bellinger had signed a three-year $80 million deal with the Cubs way back in February. Now he is set to make $27.5 million in the coming year and also has a player option in 2026 for $25 million.

MLB analyst R.J. Anderson said Bellinger “looks like a great fit for the Yankees roster in more ways than one. Defensively, he’ll seemingly start the season in center field, where he’s reliably graded as average or better throughout his career. That not only should improve the Yankees defense, but also gives Aaron Judge an easier defensive assignment. ”  With Rookie Jasson Dominguez most likely being in center field and Antony Rizzo in free agency, Cody Bellinger can play multiple positions, so that adds a lot of value for the team.

The Yankees have versatile and proven talent to lead them forward; do you think Cody Bellinger is a perfect replacement for Juan Soto? Let us know in the comments.