With the postseason just around the corner, All-Star MVP Cody Bellinger has heated up at just the right time for the New York Yankees. 

The two-time Silver Slugger has made a significant turnaround in his offensive output following mid-season struggles and an IL stint that saw him miss 25 games due to a hamstring strain. 

He's pivoted with a late-season surge in September, batting .338/.351/.581 with five home runs, 14 RBI, a .932 OPS and a 156 OPS+. As well, his two-run blast against the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday was the game-winning home run that led the Yankees to a 2-0 shutout win.

With Aaron Judge back on the injured list and veteran postseason star Giancarlo Stanton sidelined, Bellinger's resurgence will help to anchor the team's offense for October baseball. 

Cody Bellinger's leadership will help anchor a young Yankees lineup

Bellinger's veteran presence will help lead a Yankees lineup filled with young talent such as Ben Rice and postseason newbies George Lombard Jr. and Spencer Jones.

Bellinger has played in 76 career postseason games, bringing playoff experience along with 10 home runs and 37 RBI. As well, he was a 2020 World Series champion with the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

The 31-year-old has also provided reliable defense in the outfield with an elite 19 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), ranking fifth in MLB among all position players. While his overall .270 batting average with 17 home runs and 73 RBI don't match up to his $162.5 million contract, his recent drive in production has helped carry the Yankees.