July 14, 2026 Updated July 15, 2026 12:13 am EDT

PHILADELPHIA — New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger turned boos into an MVP win at the All-Star Game held in Philadelphia. Despite past tensions related to the 2009 World Series, he emerged victorious on Tuesday night, taking home the MVP award.

Bellinger started the game in right field, stepping in for injured teammates Aaron Judge and Byron Buxton. His performance was pivotal in the American League’s 4-0 victory over the National League at Citizens Bank Park.

Early in the game, Bellinger faced Cristopher Sánchez, a strong contender for the NL Cy Young Award. He delivered a two-run single into center field off a sinker, setting the tone for the AL. Bellinger finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs, contributing significantly despite the game’s low-scoring nature.

Bellinger reflected on the outcome, stating, “The pitching was just absolutely dominant,” expressing surprise at earning the MVP from his first-inning hit.

Mike Schmidt, a Hall of Famer and 12-time All-Star, presented the award to Bellinger, who was joined by his family during the presentation. This achievement marks the Yankees’ third All-Star Game MVP title, their first since Giancarlo Stanton in 2022.

Ben Rice, another Yankees player, added to the team’s success with an RBI single in the first inning, helping the AL to a 3-0 lead. Miguel Vargas of the Chicago White Sox later hit a solo homer in the eighth inning, rounding out the game’s scoring.

Bellinger, a three-time All-Star, found himself back at the Midsummer Classic after previously winning the NL MVP in 2019 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This season, he has maintained a 114 OPS+ and showcased solid defense for the Yankees.

His tenure in New York continues positively, following his commitment to a five-year, $162.5 million deal to stay with the Yankees.