Bellinger Reaches Base Twice, Steals Two Bases in Yankees’ 4-1 Loss to Reds

Cody Bellinger reached base twice and stole two bases during the Yankees’ 4-1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Yankee Stadium. The 35-year-old outfielder entered the day with the highest WAR among the six position players who signed nine-figure contracts this offseason.

Those six players are Bellinger, Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, Kyle Schwarber, Bo Bichette, and Kyle Tucker.

Tucker posted an OPS-plus of 100 entering Sunday. 5 million contract with the Yankees in the offseason. He said the deal has allowed him to take care of his family while still motivating him to perform at a high level.

“The contract definitely allowed me to take care of my family, but I still want to perform to my highest capability,” Bellinger said. “I want to outperform the contract. ” Bellinger’s father, Clay, a former Yankee, joined family members in The Bronx for the weekend series.

Bellinger said an All-Star appearance this year would carry extra meaning because his children were not yet born the last time he made the team. “It would absolutely be special,” Bellinger said. ” Bellinger hit a double in the third inning against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

He has remained productive while the Yankees manage injuries to Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Paul Goldschmidt, who signed a five-year, $130 million extension with the Cardinals in 2019, said Bellinger has handled the contract pressure well. “It’s all about your mindset,” Goldschmidt said.

“There’s always gonna be pressure, whether you’re in high school or on the biggest stage. You want to live up to the contract, but you can’t let that be all-consuming. You just have to do your part and perform.