The Yankees came into this offseason with a clear goal: balance out a lineup heavy on left-handed bats. And they weren’t just window shopping-they reportedly made a serious run at one of the most dynamic right-handed hitters on the market: Luis Robert Jr.
According to MLB insider Joel Sherman, New York had its sights set on the White Sox center fielder, a five-tool talent who brings power, speed, and elite defense-all from the right side of the plate. Robert isn’t just a fit; he’s the kind of player who can shift the makeup of a roster and change the way opposing pitchers approach a lineup.
But here’s the twist-Robert didn’t end up in the Bronx. Instead, it was the Mets who swooped in and landed him, adding a major piece to their outfield and lineup.
That left the Yankees pivoting, and they turned to a familiar face, bringing back Cody Bellinger. He’s set to patrol left field, with Trent Grisham in center.
Both hit from the left side, which keeps the Yankees’ lefty-heavy lean intact.
It’s one of those sliding-door moments in baseball. If the Yankees had landed Robert, would the Mets have made a bigger push for Bellinger instead?
It’s not hard to imagine that scenario flipping. Now, as the season unfolds, we’ll get to see how the dominoes fall in real time.
Robert in Queens. Bellinger back in pinstripes.
Two high-profile moves, one city, and plenty of intrigue.
The contrast between the two players adds another layer to the storyline. Robert is under club control for two more seasons, giving the Mets flexibility and time to evaluate a potential long-term extension. Bellinger, on the other hand, is locked into a five-year deal with the Yankees, signaling a more committed investment.
And with Mets owner Steve Cohen continuing to flex financial muscle and aggressively pursue top-tier talent, this likely won’t be the last time the two New York franchises find themselves in a tug-of-war over a star player. The Robert-Bellinger situation might just be the first chapter in what’s shaping up to be a new era of cross-town competition-not just on the field, but in the front office, too.