The New York Yankees’ offseason is starting to feel less like a reload and more like a slow bleed-and the latest buzz only adds to the concern. After already watching Devin Williams and Luke Weaver head across town to join the Mets, the Yankees now face the possibility of losing another key free agent: Cody Bellinger.
That’s right-Bellinger, one of the top names on the market this winter, is being linked to the Mets in a potential six-year, $180 million deal. It’s not official, but ESPN’s David Schoenfield has predicted exactly that scenario, and it’s a move that would hit the Yankees right where it hurts.
Let’s unpack why this would be such a gut punch for the Bronx Bombers.
A Familiar Pattern Emerging
This wouldn’t be the first time the Mets have poached a high-profile Yankee target. Last offseason, they landed Juan Soto-an aggressive, franchise-defining move that signaled the Mets were ready to spend and compete. Now, they could do it again with Bellinger, a player the Yankees have been eyeing to solidify their outfield and add left-handed pop to their lineup.
Losing Bellinger to the Mets wouldn’t just be about missing out on a talented player. It would mark the third time in two offseasons that a key free agent has flipped from pinstripes to Queens. That’s not just bad optics-it’s a shift in power dynamics within New York baseball.
Why Bellinger Fits the Mets
From the Mets' perspective, Bellinger makes a lot of sense. They’ve been cautious this offseason, especially when it comes to long-term contracts, but Bellinger could be the exception.
He’s versatile, plays solid defense in center field and first base, and brings a left-handed bat with power and postseason experience. If they’re not going all-in on a Kyle Tucker-type or committing big money to a frontline pitcher, Bellinger becomes the logical splash.
And the Mets have the financial muscle to make it happen. While they’ve held the line on players like Pete Alonso in terms of contract length, Bellinger’s age and upside could tempt them to stretch their comfort zone.
What It Means for the Yankees
For the Yankees, this would be a worst-case scenario. Bellinger isn’t just a luxury-they need him.
After trading for Soto, the expectation was that New York would continue to build around a powerful, balanced lineup. Bellinger would’ve slotted in perfectly, giving them flexibility in the outfield and a lefty bat to balance out the right-handed-heavy order.
But if he ends up in Queens? That’s a direct hit to their roster construction and a psychological blow in the ongoing rivalry with the Mets.
It’s one thing to lose a free agent. It’s another to lose him to your crosstown rival-especially after two others have already made the jump.
This isn’t just about roster depth or payroll strategy. It’s about momentum, narrative, and perception. The Mets are acting like the aggressors in New York’s baseball landscape, and if they land Bellinger, it’ll feel like another step in that direction.
The Stakes Moving Forward
The Yankees still have time to respond, but the pressure is mounting. They’ve already made a big move in Soto, but letting Bellinger walk-especially to the Mets-would leave a noticeable hole in both the lineup and the fanbase’s confidence.
It’s a pivotal moment in the offseason chess match between two teams that share a city but are currently operating with very different energy. If the Mets land Bellinger, it won’t just be a win in free agency-it’ll be another statement that the balance of power in New York is shifting, one signature at a time.