The New York Yankees’ pursuit of star OF/1B Cody Bellinger has stalled, brutally matching their tepid offseason. Just lately considered favorites to retain the versatile former MVP, ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that the Yankees not anticipate to re-sign him. Bellinger is undoubtedly a scorching commodity available on the market, however the place does his market stand?
The Boston Purple Sox, who as soon as gave the impression to be a match, had a niche to fill at first base, one which was remedied with the commerce for Willson Contreras. Boasting an outfield filled with left-handed hitters, Bellinger is not a match. The Chicago Cubs have lately engaged with him, however having signed Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract, it isn’t clear if they are going to be prepared to fulfill Bellinger’s calls for. In current days, the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers have additionally checked in. Nonetheless, aside from the Yankees, just one different workforce has been incessantly linked to Bellinger.
Bellinger’s slot in Queens
The New York Mets have a unprecedented battle chest of money to spend and a transparent want for offense. They’ve additionally been thought of frontrunners within the race for Bellinger, with sturdy curiosity having been reported by insiders quite a few occasions. Earlier than the Yankees bombshell, MLB insider Jon Heyman stated it was doubtless that he stays in New York, both with the pinstripes or the Mets, when discussing curiosity from the Cubs, Dodgers and Giants.
Of Bellinger’s remaining suitors, the Mets are an ideal match. The Amazins got here near reaching the World Sequence in 2024, however regardless of including Juan Soto, they missed the postseason fully in 2025. And additional damaging their power, the Mets misplaced Pete Alonso this offseason, a loss that leaves a large hole behind Soto.
Bellinger won’t be capable to replicate Alonso’s lofty manufacturing, however within the Polar Bear’s absence, he could be an integral a part of the lineup and hold the Mets aggressive. Bellinger hit .272/.334/.480 with 29 house runs final season. He would match completely in centerfield or at first for the reason that Mets are desperately missing at each positions.
The place the Mets stand out there for outfielders
Whereas a transfer like this is able to make sense, calling the Mets the favorites for Bellinger may be untimely. The Mets have additionally proven curiosity in Kyle Tucker, who’s youthful and has a better ceiling on the plate. Bellinger’s calls for can also be an issue as he seeks greater than the five-year, $30 million AAV deal the Yankees reportedly supplied him, particularly for the reason that Mets have hesitated to spend after signing Soto.
Although we’re in January, it’s nonetheless too early to gauge Bellinger’s market, which can develop if/when Tucker indicators first. However given final season’s disappointment and their key losses this offseason, it could be exhausting to think about New York coming into the season with out making a splash.
