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The New York Yankees offered a concise yet warm tribute to Cody Bellinger after the outfielder secured a prestigious defensive award. Bellinger was named the 2026 American League Gold Glove recipient for left field on Sunday, prompting the team to quickly share its congratulations on social media.
“Good as Gold. Congratulations on your 2nd career Gold Glove, Belli!” the club posted on X.
This marks Bellinger’s first Gold Glove since 2019, when he claimed the honor as a right fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers during his National League MVP season. He outperformed fellow finalists Chandler Simpson of the Tampa Bay Rays and Wyatt Langford of the Texas Rangers to secure the 2026 award.
The recognition came as little surprise. Bellinger was widely regarded as the top defensive left fielder in baseball this season, accumulating 21 defensive runs saved—far ahead of Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio, who recorded 13 and took home the NL Gold Glove at the position. Bellinger also placed above the 90th percentile in both Fielding Run Value and Outs Above Average.
He was the only Yankee to earn a Gold Glove this year. Catcher Austin Wells and utility player Jose Caballero were also finalists but did not win.
The award caps a solid second season in pinstripes for Bellinger, who re-signed with New York in January on a five-year, $162.5 million contract. The deal includes opt-outs after the second and third seasons, along with a full no-trade clause.
Bellinger contributed at the plate as well, batting .264 with 17 home runs, 73 RBIs, 12 stolen bases, and a .768 OPS across 132 games. In July, he earned All-Star Game MVP honors after hitting a two-run single in the American League’s 4-0 victory over the National League.
Unfortunately for Bellinger and the Yankees, the season ended in disappointment. New York was swept by the Rays in the AL Division Series, falling 4-3 in Game 3 at Yankee Stadium.
Still, the Gold Glove serves as a meaningful consolation for Bellinger, whose versatility and defensive prowess have made him one of the most valuable players on the roster. With Aaron Judge and the rest of the team aiming to rebound in 2027, the Yankees will rely on Bellinger to continue producing on both sides of the ball.
Originally reported by yahoo.