The New York Yankees aren’t exactly known for patience, especially when their $80 million investments start looking more like clearance rack pickups. Manager Aaron Boone, ever the diplomat in a powder keg, has finally decided it’s time to address the elephant tiptoeing through the Bronx. As whispers grow into roars and boos get harder to ignore, Boone’s recent comments might be the spark—or smoke screen—the Yankees needed.

When things start to go bad, they really go bad for the Yankees and their players. While their pitchers are getting injured, their batters have decided that they are not going to show up, and Cody Bellinger has not been showing up for a long time, and people are starting to question his position. But when the gaffer has confidence in you, I guess the other voices don’t matter.

In a recent interview, Yankees manager Boone was asked what made him go with Bellinger as a leadoff hitter in his rough patch. Boone said, “Somebody’s got to go there. I kind of like Rice in there behind Judge right now. He’s done it in the past. Hopefully, he can set a tone for us today.”

Bellinger is primarily not a leadoff hitter, but with Trent Grisham out, he was pushed up the order. He had a good start to the season, but in the past few games, it has been bad. In the last seven games, Bellinger has only 5 hits with a batting average of .185. With the series against the San Diego Padres just on the horizon, it will be very important for the Yankees to find their feet and for Bellinger to get his batting together.

Boone’s lineup choices may be rooted in hope, but hope doesn’t hit .300. If Bellinger doesn’t snap out of this slump soon, the Bronx cheers will turn into Bronx decisions. The Yankees aren’t paying $80 million for vibes and veteran presence—they’re paying for production. And right now, Bellinger looks less like a spark plug and more like a stalled engine. Tick-tock, Mr. Bellinger.

With Jazz Chisholm Jr. out, the Yankees need Cody Bellinger’s bat to show up

The Yankees didn’t sign a ghost. They signed a bat—or at least, they thought they did. In a lineup suddenly missing Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York now finds itself leaning heavily on a name that once meant MVP thunder. Instead, they’ve gotten a whisper. Bellinger was brought in to deliver damage. Right now, he’s delivering doubts.

The New York Yankees are facing a serious challenge with Chisholm Jr. sidelined for the next 4–6 weeks due to a right oblique strain. This injury takes away a dynamic left-handed bat from their lineup, putting additional pressure on Bellinger to step up. With key players out, Bellinger’s performance is now crucial. Fortunately, LeMahieu’s return on the mend has brought in some glimmer of hope.

Through the first month of the season, Bellinger’s numbers have been disappointing. He’s batting just .196 with a .614 OPS, and his strikeout rate is climbing. His once-potential-filled swing has looked out of sync, with poor contact quality and no hits against sliders. For the Yankees to compete, Bellinger must rediscover his former self.

The Yankees believed Bellinger would provide balance in their lineup, offering power and protection for Aaron Judge. But now, they find themselves with a gaping hole in the heart of their offense. Bellinger doesn’t need to replicate his MVP season, but he must find a way to turn things around and make pitchers pay for mistakes. Without him, Judge can’t do it alone.

Without Bellinger stepping up, the Yankees’ lineup risks becoming a one-man show—and Judge isn’t exactly built for that kind of heavy lifting. The pressure’s on, and the time for excuses is running out. New York didn’t bring Bellinger in to be a spectator; they brought him to hit. So, it’s time to stop whispering and start delivering the thunder.