Cody Bellinger makes history with All-Star Game MVP as Yankees admiration grows

When the Yankees went through their horrid 5-15 stretch prior to the conclusion of the series against the Rays last week, some fans attempting to deflect blame from the usual underperformers wanted to put Cody Bellinger in the crosshairs. How are you going to do that to the 2026 All-Star Game MVP?

After the AL defeated the NL 4-0 on Tuesday night, Bellinger's two-run single in the first inning was enough to earn him the honors. It was his first appearance in the Midsummer Classic since 2019. He finished 1-for-3 in a night of depressed offense in which both teams struck out a combined 27 times. The NL was shut out for the first time in 13 years. That's how valuable his base knock in the first inning was.

As for his performance with the Yankees ... had the voting began a week later, we don't know if he would've been a starter. There's no sugarcoating how bad he was offensively from June 18 - July 8. Those awful three weeks played right into the team's summer swoon. His OPS dropped nearly 100 points.

But guess what? A player of Bellinger's caliber is allowed to fall into a funk without the fanbase busting out their torches and pitchforks. Belli is rarely ever the problem with the Yankees. He's a tremendous defender and does whatever is asked of him. Not to mention, he's probably the only bat on the team that develops a different approach with two strikes.

Sure, it'd be great if Bellinger didn't slump this drastically, but no player is impervious to tough stretches. But the entire picture must be considered, and the veteran slugger is far more valuable for his all-around abilities than just his bat.

After he made history at the 2026 All-Star Game, joining Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Giancarlo Stanton as the only Yankees to win ASG MVP, he should be far more appreciated.

Cody Bellinger's 2026 All-Star Game MVP rewarded him with rare Yankees honors

Most of Bellinger's accomplishments came before his arrival in the Bronx, but his career revival has been incredible to watch. He fell off a cliff for a few years that put his future in doubt, but he notably returned to an MVP-caliber player these last two seasons.

And how about the good vibes? We can't forget how good he is with the media and the fans. That should earn him a lot of good will in New York.

Bellinger's dad played for the Yanks. He grew up a Yankees fan. And he's been a savior for New York after Juan Soto's departure. Pretty damn good "Plan B" if you ask us.

Positive Yankees content, how about that? Cody Bellinger appreciation during the All-Star break to set the tone for the second half. Let's keep the momentum rolling and make this a season to remember.

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