Cody Bellinger Watch: Could the Mets Make One More Splash?
With most of the marquee bats off the board, Cody Bellinger stands alone as the last big-name position player still available. Alex Bregman?
Signed. Kyle Tucker?
Off the market. Bo Bichette?
Just landed in Queens. And now, all eyes are on Bellinger-and whether the New York Mets are ready to make one final move that could cap off a transformative offseason.
Let’s be clear: Bellinger isn’t just a name-brand bat. He’s a versatile, left-handed hitter with power, speed, and a Gold Glove pedigree. He can handle all three outfield spots, plus first base, which adds real value to any roster-especially one like the Mets', who are still looking to balance out a top-heavy lineup and boost their run prevention.
That’s part of what has sparked renewed buzz around Queens. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, at least one rival evaluator sees Bellinger as an ideal fit for what the Mets are building. His defensive flexibility would give them another option behind new addition Jorge Polanco at first, and his presence in the lineup could help lengthen an offense that’s shown flashes but still needs more consistency.
And while the Mets haven’t been heavily linked to Bellinger throughout the winter, that doesn’t mean they’re out of the picture. Remember: just a couple of months ago, nobody expected them to hand out $42 million to a third baseman who’s never actually played third base. Yet here we are, with Bichette now in the fold and the front office showing it’s not afraid to take bold swings.
Bellinger, for his part, is reportedly seeking a seven-year deal. The Yankees, who had him last season, are said to prefer a five-year commitment. That gap could be the opening the Mets need-if they’re willing to stretch the years and make a serious offer.
It wouldn’t be the first time the Mets poached a star from the Bronx. Just last offseason, they landed Juan Soto from the Yankees, a move that sent shockwaves through the city and the league. Could Bellinger be the next high-profile addition to cross borough lines?
Of course, the Mets aren’t the only team in the mix. But with Bichette already in the bag and ownership clearly willing to spend, they’ve positioned themselves as a legitimate contender in the Bellinger sweepstakes. If they pull it off, it wouldn’t just be another big signing-it would be the kind of move that signals the Mets are all-in on contending right now.
One big bat remains. And the Mets might just be the team to land him.