For the first time since 2009, the Yankees have made a World Series impact, thanks in part to their historic offensive performance. Despite the gross uneven distribution of firepower, their starting lineup leads the major leagues in home runs and deliveries. At times, the dynamic duo of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto are looking for more support.

Now, Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt are two experienced and accolades who believe they can bring more balance to the squad.

'For me and Paul, it's not about replacing anybody, it's about putting our best foot forward,' Bellinger said, 'we know our best and if we can get there, it will be fun.' ”

The Yankees traded for Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs last December, the first step in the team's offensive adjustment following Soto's departure. Previously, the Yankees also signed left-hand shooter Max Fried and right-hand shooter Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers.

Bellinger was named the 2019 National League Most Valuable Player (MVP), a two-time All-Star, a two-time Silver Bat Award, and a Golden Glove Award. The Yankees plan to let him take over midfielder so that Judge can return to the right midfield after accommodating Soto for much of the 2024 season.

The 29-year-old played for the Cubs last season batting 0.266/.325/0.426 (111 OPS+) and had 23 second-run hits, 18 home runs and 78 RBIs.

The Yankees felt that home games at Yankee Stadium (and, as general manager Brian Cashman mentioned, six away games against the Rays at George M. Stanbrenner Stadium) would be a good fit for Bellinger's left-hand swing style. In 2019, he hit a career-high 47 home runs with the Dodgers, but has never exceeded 26 home runs in a single season since.

"He's at the peak of his career. He's been through a lot so far in his career," said Yankees manager Aaron Boone, "and he's made some nice adjustments." He's a great two-way player with a lot of defensive value, a lot of defensive position, and a good baserunner. I think he has a lot of potential on the offensive end, he's expected to play really well and he has a very high ceiling. I think our pitch is good for him. ”

Last December, Goldschmidt signed a one-year, $12.5 million contract with the Yankees. The four-time Golden Glove Award winner and 2022 National League MVP winner will be hoping to bounce back after a difficult 2024 season with the St. Louis Cardinals. That season, his batting trips dropped to a career-low 0.245/0.302/0.414 (98 OPS+).

"The truth is, I've not played well for more than a year," Goldschmidt said, "and it's not that I don't work hard. I did my best and swung the stick countless times. But the game was tough and the pitchers were outstanding. The slightest deviation can turn for the worse. ”

Bellinger called Goldschmidt a "career model". Although Goldschmidt, 37, is one of the older players in the league, the Yankees saw positive signs in his performance in the second half of the year.

A right-handed hitter who can hit the ball in all directions, he has an attack index of 0.799 after the All-Star break, compared to 0.664 before. According to Statcast data, Goldschmidt's strong batting percentage is in the 92nd percentile in the league.

"This guy is on track to be in the Hall of Fame, he's been a superstar for a long time," Boone said, "and I think he's found his groove in the second half of the year." He has played more than 150 times a year in his career, is in great shape, and is an obsessed baseball trainer with a thirst for baseball. He is open to mentoring and eager to be motivated. ”

Helped by Judge's second American League MVP (223 OPS+) and Soto's stellar performance (178 OPS+), the Yankees scored a game-high 815 points in the American League last season, 142 more than in 2023 and the most in a single season since 2019 (943). It will not be easy to take the offensive firepower of 2025 to the next level.

But in the 2024 season, several players who have batted more than 300 times are below average: first baseman Anthony Rizzo (81 OPS+), shortstop Anthony Volpe (86 OPS+), third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera (87 OPS+) and left fielder Alex Verdugo (83 OPS+). Rizzo and Vidugo are now free agents.

Therefore, it is conceivable that Bellinger and Goldschmidt will be expected to reinvigorate some of the lost offensive firepower. In addition, left fielder Jasson Domínguez may be in for an explosive season (Bellinger and Judge have joked about the 21-year-old's chance to win Rookie of the Year).

In any case, this is what the Yankees expected. Bellinger and Goldschmidt have been on the battlefield for a long time and know what is key, and it all kicks off on the opening day.

"The passion for excellence speaks for itself," Bellinger said, "and I'm sure we'll find a way to have a great year together with these guys in the dressing room." ”