The New York Yankees are returning a similar team to their 2025 squad. While New York was able to re-sign a number of players — including Cody Bellinger — many fans have expressed frustration with the team’s offseason since no new superstars were added.
Aaron Judge is the best player on the Yankees, and Gerrit Cole’s injury return will be pivotal. However, it is Bellinger who holds the key to winning back the frustrated fans.
If Bellinger has a big year and helps the Yankees make a deep postseason run, it will prove that the Yankees knew what they were doing this past offseason. Fans will forget about the quiet offseason and instead be content with Bellinger’s presence on the roster alongside Judge.
Much of the frustration stems from the fact that New York hasn’t won a World Series championship since the 2009 season. For many teams, having won a Fall Classic within the past 20 years would be a strong accomplishment. For the Yankees — who lead all of MLB with 27 World Series victories — it is a failure.
Bellinger and Judge are hoping they can give the fanbase something to get excited about in 2026.
Cody Bellinger Returns to Yankees
Yankees fans have let their feelings be known on social media.
Let me make this abundantly clear
Yankees had a terrible offseason
And I will be watching every game and hoping the Yankees can overcome it all… and win the World Series… as I have done every year— fan of the Yankees (@realboshek) February 8, 2026
The Yankees this offseasonpic.twitter.com/IpH2hIYY9M
— Pinstripe Strong (@PinstripeStrong) February 7, 2026
Many other posts from upset fans about the offseason echo a similar sentiment. Fans simply believe the team’s roster is far too similar to last year’s ball club.
Bellinger holds the key to changing the narrative and helping the team win. He’s ready for his second season in New York.
One of his key responsibilities? Protecting Aaron Judge.
“Last year was pretty amazing seeing up close what he can do,” Bellinger said of Judge, via MLB Network. “Talking to (Aaron) Boone, depending on the team, depending on the lead, it’s like, ‘Okay, they’re gonna walk him.’ … They’re not letting him beat you… I think he’s the best hitter on the planet. It’s fun to watch him work everyday.”
Judge is indeed the best hitter in the game right now. Pitchers are going to be especially careful with him. Bellinger will likely hit right behind him in the order. If Bellinger is able to have a big season, pitchers may think twice before instantly walking Judge.
Between protecting Judge, playing quality defense in the outfield, and proving that the Yankees had a respectable offseason, Bellinger will have plenty of responsibilities this year.
Related: Yankees’ Cody Bellinger Shares Honest Thoughts on Aaron Judge’s Leadership