Yankees' Bellinger makes early catch of the year contender

Outfielder's spectacular grab saves extra-base hit in home opener

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:35am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting Cody Bellinger's acrobatic catch, with the baseball and outfielder's body broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of bright colors.Bellinger's leaping, twisting catch robs the Marlins of an extra-base hit and thrills the Yankee Stadium crowd.NYC Today

In the top of the ninth inning of the Yankees' 8-2 home opener win over the Marlins, outfielder Cody Bellinger made a spectacular catch to rob Miami's Xavier Edwards of an extra-base hit. Bellinger leapt at the warning track, knocked the ball down, and then blindly swiped at it with his glove to come up with the out as the Yankee Stadium crowd erupted in cheers.

Why it matters

Bellinger, known for his defensive prowess, has continued to make highlight-reel plays in his first season with the Yankees after winning a Gold Glove with the Dodgers in 2019. This early catch is already drawing comparisons to potential Catch of the Year candidates and showcases Bellinger's elite athleticism and instincts in the outfield.

The details

With the Yankees leading 8-2 in the top of the ninth, Marlins' Xavier Edwards hit a 96.4 mph line drive to left field off reliever Ryan Yarbrough. Bellinger raced back to the warning track, leapt, and knocked the ball down, but as he came back to the ground, he blindly swiped at the ball with his glove and came up with the out, drawing a roar from the Yankee Stadium crowd.

  • The play occurred in the top of the ninth inning of the Yankees' home opener on April 3, 2026.

The players

Cody Bellinger

The Yankees' starting left fielder, known for his defensive prowess after winning a Gold Glove with the Dodgers in 2019.

Xavier Edwards

The Marlins' outfielder who hit the line drive that Bellinger robbed for an out.

Ryan Yarbrough

The Yankees' left-handed relief pitcher who was on the mound when Bellinger made the catch.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like I had a good bead on it the whole way. I think it caught off my wrist. I really don't know. I'm just glad I came down with it.”

— Cody Bellinger, Yankees Outfielder

What’s next

Bellinger's spectacular catch will likely be in contention for Catch of the Year honors as the MLB season progresses.

The takeaway

Cody Bellinger's highlight-reel grab in the Yankees' home opener showcased his elite defensive abilities and athleticism, continuing to cement his reputation as one of the best outfielders in baseball.