Mets Still in the Market, Eyes on Bellinger as Options Dwindle
With Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette officially off the board, the Mets find themselves still hunting for a big bat-and an outfielder. Enter Cody Bellinger, who remains one of the most intriguing names left on the market.
The Mets and Yankees are both reportedly in the mix, with each club eyeing Bellinger to fill very different needs. For the Mets, it’s about shoring up the outfield.
For the Yankees, it’s about giving Aaron Judge some much-needed lineup protection.
Bellinger’s fit in Queens is easy to see. He brings left-handed power, Gold Glove-caliber defense, and positional flexibility-three things the Mets could use more of as they look to stay competitive in a loaded National League. While his offensive numbers have fluctuated in recent years, Bellinger’s ceiling remains tantalizing, and he showed enough last season to suggest he’s still capable of anchoring a lineup.
NJ.com's Max Goodman recently laid out five potential targets for the Mets in the wake of the Bo Bichette signing, and Bellinger is right there among the top options. With the outfield market thinning, the Mets may have to move quickly if they want to land a player who can make an impact on both sides of the ball.
Framber Valdez Drawing Interest-And the Mets Are in the Mix
Another name to watch: Framber Valdez. The veteran lefty is one of the top remaining starters on the market, and he’s drawing serious interest from several contenders, including the Mets, Orioles, Giants, and Cubs. Valdez is a unique case-an extreme ground ball pitcher who thrives when he’s getting weak contact and letting his defense work behind him.
Travis Sawchik of MLB.com broke down the potential fits, weighing factors like rotation depth, ballpark conditions, and team needs. For the Mets, Valdez would bring much-needed stability to a rotation that has seen its share of turnover. His ability to eat innings and keep the ball in the park would be a welcome addition at Citi Field, especially with the Mets looking to balance upside with reliability.
NL East Notes: Harper’s Next Chapter, Nats Add Depth
Down in Philadelphia, there’s growing buzz about Bryce Harper and what kind of season he might have in 2026. MLB.com’s Mike Petriello dove into the numbers to assess whether Harper can return to elite form.
The former MVP has dealt with injuries in recent seasons, but when healthy, he’s still one of the most dynamic hitters in the game. If he can stay on the field, Harper could be a major force again this year-and that’s a big deal in a division that’s shaping up to be ultra-competitive.
Meanwhile, the Nationals made a low-key move by signing right-hander Trevor Gott to a minor league deal. It’s a depth play, but one that could pay off if Gott can rediscover the form that made him a reliable bullpen arm earlier in his career.
Around the League: Elly Says No, Reds Fielding Calls, Pressly Retires
One of the more eye-opening revelations from around the league: Elly De La Cruz reportedly turned down a contract extension from the Reds last spring that would have been the richest in franchise history-surpassing even Joey Votto’s 10-year, $225 million deal from 2012. That’s a bold move from the young star, and it signals just how confident he is in his long-term value.
De La Cruz has electrified fans with his speed, power, and swagger, and it’s clear the Reds see him as a cornerstone. But for now, he’s betting on himself.
The Reds are also reportedly receiving trade interest in their starting pitchers, which isn’t surprising given the depth they’ve built up over the past few seasons. With several young arms showing promise, Cincinnati could be in a position to deal from strength and address other areas of the roster.
And after 13 seasons in the big leagues, veteran reliever Ryan Pressly has decided to hang up his cleats. The longtime Astros closer was a key part of multiple playoff runs and earned a reputation as one of the most reliable arms in high-leverage situations. Pressly retires with a career that includes All-Star appearances, postseason heroics, and the kind of consistency that every bullpen dreams of.
Dodgers’ Dynasty? History Says It’s Rare Air
Finally, The Athletic’s Chad Jennings and Stephen J. Nesbitt took a deep dive into baseball history to put the Dodgers’ current run in context.
With their loaded roster, deep farm system, and aggressive front office, Los Angeles is building something that looks a lot like a dynasty in the making. But as history shows, sustaining that level of dominance is no easy feat.
From the Yankees of the late 90s to the Big Red Machine, true dynasties are few and far between. The Dodgers are making their case-and the rest of the league is watching closely.
As the offseason continues to unfold, the Mets remain one of the most interesting teams to watch. Whether it’s Bellinger, Valdez, or another surprise move, they’ve got both the need and the resources to make something happen. Stay tuned.