When Major League Baseball stumbles over its own spotlight, the consequences echo louder than a Bronx cheer. While the league’s talent showcase spirals into a popularity contest, the New York Yankees are watching Cody Bellinger quietly rewrite his narrative, without an invite. Manager Aaron Boone isn’t playing diplomat either. As the Misiorowski uproar steals headlines, Boone is sending a different kind of fastball—straight at MLB’s decision-makers.

After looking at MLB inviting almost anyone for the All-Star games, like rookie Jacob Misiorowski, and snubbing top names like Juan Soto, everyone is making a case for a spot. But Bellinger is not such a name because he might actually have a case. And making the case for him is Yankees manager Boone.

In his recent interview, the skipper revealed that he still thinks that Bellinger is an All-Star player and should be in the All-Star Game. As reported by Gary Phillips through his X handle, “Aaron Boone said he’s been trying to make an All-Star case for Cody Bellinger, even before last night. Said he’s ‘worthy’ of a nod.”

Bellinger’s debut season in pinstripes has been a steady climb toward relevance and results. Through 86 games, he’s slashing .285/.340/.498 with 16 home runs and 54 RBIs. His .838 OPS, 131 OPS+, and 131 wRC+ reflect balanced offensive value across the board. After early inconsistency, Bellinger’s numbers now echo his MVP pedigree from seasons past.

Over his last 16 games, Bellinger has caught fire, batting .406 with a 1.162 OPS. His recent three-homer explosion against the Cubs served as both punctuation and reminder. With a 28.4 ft/s sprint speed and 4 Outs Above Average, his defense matches his offensive resurgence. Quietly, he’s evolved into one of the Yankees’ most complete and consistent performers.

While not selected initially, Bellinger remains a legitimate All-Star candidate based on season-long output. He ranks among AL outfielders in both production and consistency, without the flash of viral moments. His 91st percentile defense and above-average bat prove two-way value few others match. On merit alone, Bellinger continues to make a statistical case for inclusion.

So while MLB hands out All-Star nods like party favors, Bellinger’s credentials are being vetted like a tax audit. Boone isn’t just vouching for his guy—he’s exposing the league’s selective memory. If the All-Star Game is truly about performance and not just popularity, Bellinger shouldn’t need a campaign manager. But hey, maybe all he’s missing is a viral dance and a podcast appearance.

Chances of Cody Bellinger extending with the Yankees just went up

Some marriages just make sense—even if one side showed up fashionably late. The New York Yankees, once wobbling, now swagger again, and Bellinger’s bat and glove are doing more than their fair share of the heavy lifting. Boone isn’t hiding it either—he’s stumping for outfielder’s All-Star case like it’s campaign season. When the manager talks that loudly, front-office calculators usually start clicking.

Bellinger’s Yankees tenure started like a Broadway debut—big lights, loud cheers, instant impact. He crushed early-season pitching and roamed the outfield like it owed him rent. But as the calendar turned, his bat cooled and whispers of inconsistency returned. Just when doubt crept in, Bellinger erupted again—three homers in one game, nearly four by inches. His strikeout rate sits at a career-best 15.6%, showcasing a disciplined, mature approach. He’s hitting .313 with a .925 OPS in clutch situations, proving his value late. Boone’s All-Star endorsement wasn’t fluff—it was a manager recognizing a core piece.

Bellinger holds a $25 million player option for 2026, but declining it feels inevitable now. A five-year, $140 million extension would keep him through his prime at $28 million AAV. With young stars rising and payroll flexibility ahead, this move balances risk and reward. If extended, Bellinger could anchor the next great Yankees run—with swagger, stability, and postseason punch.

Boone’s vocal backing and Bellinger’s timely resurgence might’ve just sparked more than All-Star buzz. This isn’t just a hot streak—it’s a resume update, mailed directly to Cashman’s desk. The Yankees don’t need a rental; they need a renaissance. And if the pinstripes finally commit, they won’t just be locking down a bat—they’ll be extending their swagger. Don’t fumble the bag, New York—the man already fits the uniform.