I DON’T THINK HE DESERVE IT: New York Yankees HC James Rowson Boldly Tells Yankees Owner After He Suggested That Outfielder Cody Bellinger Should Be Made The..

New York Yankees HC James Rowson Boldly Tells Yankees Owner After He Suggested That Outfielder Cody Bellinger Should Be Made The..

New York Yankees hitting coach James Rowson has never been one to shy away from bold opinions, and his latest remarks about the possibility of outfielder Cody Bellinger being named team captain have set the baseball world abuzz.

According to insiders, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner recently floated the idea of elevating Bellinger to the role of team captain, a title famously held by legends such as Derek Jeter. Bellinger, who joined the Yankees amid high expectations, delivered a strong season both at the plate and in the field, solidifying his position as a key player. However, Rowson is reportedly not on board with the suggestion.

“I don’t think he deserves it,” Rowson is said to have boldly told Steinbrenner during an internal discussion. While Rowson acknowledged Bellinger’s talent and contributions, he reportedly emphasized that the captaincy is about more than on-field performance. “Being captain isn’t just about how you play—it’s about how you lead, how you carry yourself in the clubhouse, and how you inspire your teammates every single day. That’s not something you hand out lightly.”

Bellinger’s journey to the Yankees followed an impressive career resurgence after leaving the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he won an MVP title in 2019. His efforts in pinstripes have been praised, but Rowson’s reservations highlight the broader debate within the Yankees organization: should captaincy be reserved for a long-tenured player who embodies the team’s culture, or can it be awarded to a standout performer regardless of their time with the club?

Fans are divided on the matter. Some see Bellinger as a natural leader whose fiery competitiveness aligns with the Yankees’ championship ambitions. Others side with Rowson, arguing that players like Aaron Judge, who has consistently been the face of the franchise, are more fitting candidates for the captaincy.

As the Yankees continue to navigate this high-profile decision, it’s clear that the title of captain remains one of the most sacred honors in professional sports—one that carries the weight of history and the expectations of one of baseball’s most passionate fan bases.

Neither Steinbrenner nor Bellinger has publicly commented on the matter, but the debate is far from over. For now, Rowson’s candid pushback underscores the complexity of leadership decisions in a team steeped in tradition.