Bellinger Adds Platinum Glove to Yankees' Trophy Case

Cody Bellinger is adding another piece of hardware to his collection, and this one is especially sweet for the New York Yankees. The Yankees outfielder was named the American League winner of the 2026 Platinum Glove Award on Friday night, recognizing him as the best overall defensive player in the league, regardless of position.

Rawlings announced the Platinum Glove winners for both leagues, with Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong taking home the National League honor. It was the first Platinum Glove Award for both players, but Bellinger's latest recognition adds to an already impressive defensive résumé.

Bellinger previously captured his second career Gold Glove this season, earning his first since his MVP-winning campaign with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019. Now, he has followed that up by being recognized as the top defensive player in the American League. It's quite a statement for a player who has brought the Yankees another level of versatility and athleticism in the outfield.

The numbers certainly back up the honor. Bellinger finished with 21 Defensive Runs Saved, tied for the third-most in all of Major League Baseball. Only Wilyer Abreu, with 28, and Brice Turang, with 23, finished ahead of him. Bellinger's ability to cover ground, read the ball off the bat and make difficult plays look routine has made him a valuable part of the Yankees' defense.

He also joins an exclusive group in Yankees history. Bellinger and catcher Jose Trevino, who won in 2022, are the only Yankees to capture the Platinum Glove since the award was introduced in 2011.

For the Yankees, Bellinger's defensive contributions have been just as important as anything he provides at the plate. In a lineup filled with power hitters, having an outfielder capable of changing games with his glove is a tremendous asset.

Bellinger has already proven he can deliver at the highest level, and his latest award is another reminder of just how valuable he is to the Yankees. The Platinum Glove is reserved for the very best, and this season, Bellinger earned his place at the top of the American League.