The New York Mets already made waves this offseason by landing Juan Soto, a move that sent shockwaves through the Bronx and beyond. But they might not be done dealing body blows to their crosstown rivals. There’s growing buzz that the Mets could make a serious run at former MVP and All-Star Cody Bellinger-and if they pull it off, it would be another major statement.
Bellinger, who played a pivotal role for the Yankees last season, is reportedly a top target for the Mets. The team is said to be willing to offer a short-term deal with a high average annual value (AAV)-a strategy that worked in locking up Bo Bichette earlier this offseason. While Bellinger just opted out of a similar type of deal, the idea here is simple: if the Mets throw enough money at him on a per-year basis, they might be able to lure him away from longer-term offers.
And the fit? It makes a lot of sense.
Even after adding Soto and Bichette, the Mets still need another outfielder-and ideally, one who can contribute on both sides of the ball. Bellinger checks those boxes.
He’s a plus defender with a strong glove and solid range, which aligns with David Stearns’ offseason emphasis on improving run prevention. Offensively, Bellinger remains a dangerous bat in the heart of any order.
Last season, he posted a .272/.334/.480 slash line with 25 doubles, 29 home runs, and 98 RBI across 152 games. That kind of production, paired with Soto’s elite on-base skills and Bichette’s all-around offensive game, would give the Mets one of the most formidable lineups in baseball. Add in Francisco Lindor, and you’re looking at a core that can do serious damage.
Of course, the big question is whether Bellinger would be willing to take a short-term deal. He’s projected to land a six-year, $182 million contract, and if a team is willing to meet that number, he’ll likely go the long-term route. But if the market doesn’t quite reach that level-and the Mets come in with a high-AAV offer that blows others out of the water-they could be in position to strike.
If New York pulls this off, it wouldn’t just be about adding talent. It would be another high-profile move that shifts power in the city-and puts the Mets squarely in the conversation as a legitimate World Series contender.