Bellinger Smashes Two Homers: Fantasy Hitting Recap 4/18/26

Cody Bellinger of the New York Yankees had an impressive game against the Kansas City Royals on April 18, 2026. Bellinger went 3-for-4, smashing two home runs and driving in five runs. This performance significantly boosted his batting average and slugging percentage, showcasing his potential for a strong season.

Bellinger’s Remarkable Offensive Performance

Bellinger’s two-home run game is a reminder of how quickly a player’s fortunes can change early in the season. Despite a modest start to the year, he added 28 points to his batting average and over 100 points to his slugging percentage in just one day. Bellinger has maintained a relatively average hard-hit rate of 37.3% and the lowest maximum exit velocity of his career.

Nevertheless, he continues to demonstrate discipline at the plate, as evidenced by his increased walk rate and a strikeout rate of around 14%. Playing at Yankee Stadium likely benefits his offensive output going forward.

Other Noteworthy Performances

• Corbin Carroll (ARI): The Arizona outfielder went 1-for-3 with a grand slam, totaling two runs and four RBIs. His bat speed remains elite, hinting at the possibility of a 30/30 season.
• Brice Turang (MIL): Turang recorded a 2-for-3 game with a home run and three RBIs. His barrel rate has surged to 10.9%, highlighting his growth as a hitter. He could also contend for a 30/30 season.
• Nick Kurtz (ATH): Kurtz continued his hot streak, going 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs. Despite his impressive hard-hit rate, he faces concerns over his contact ability.
• Carter Jensen (KCR): Jensen hit a home run and contributed two RBIs. His strikeout rate has risen, indicating potential challenges ahead despite his skills.
• Ryan O’Hearn (PIT): O’Hearn continues to impress, going 2-for-3 with a home run, batting .329 for the season.

Players to Watch

• Troy Johnston (COL): With a 3-for-4 game, Johnston shows promise, but may not be as valuable against left-handed pitching.
• Luke Raley (SEA): Raley hit another home run and boasts impressive slugging metrics, although he strikes out frequently.
• Munetaka Murakami (CHW): Murakami, notably hitting his first home run off a curveball, still needs to address his contact issues.
• Josh Jung (TEX): Jung is starting to showcase his power potential, helping him trend towards a breakout season.
• Marcell Ozuna (PIT): Ozuna has shown signs of life with a recent performance that includes two home runs.

The thrill of the season continues to unfold as players like Cody Bellinger make headlines with their outstanding performances. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on these athletes as they navigate the complexities of the season ahead.