The Yankees played the waiting game with Cody Bellinger - and it paid off.
While the Mets were busy making headlines by trading for Luis Robert Jr. on Tuesday night, the Yankees quietly held their ground. No overbidding.
No panic moves. Just a clear line in the sand.
And when the dust settled, Bellinger was theirs.
It wasn’t always a given. There were whispers about Toronto making a late push, especially after the Blue Jays missed out on Kyle Tucker.
But that never materialized. The Dodgers were in the mix until the Tucker deal closed that door.
And as suitors dropped off the board, the Yankees’ position only got stronger.
Now, with Bellinger in pinstripes, the attention shifts across town. Did the Mets miss a golden opportunity?
Let’s be clear - money wasn’t the issue. Even with David Stearns operating with a more measured approach this offseason, the Mets have shown they’ll open the checkbook when the right move is on the table. And Bellinger could’ve been that move.
Yes, they added Robert Jr., but that doesn’t mean Bellinger would’ve been redundant. Far from it.
Start with Carson Benge. The 2024 first-rounder is one of the Mets’ most exciting young prospects, projected to be a key piece of their future outfield.
But he’s not quite ready. He spent most of 2025 at Double-A and struggled in his brief stint at Triple-A, slashing just .178/.272/.311 over 24 games.
Banking on him to be ready for Opening Day feels like a gamble - one that could backfire if the Mets are serious about contending.
Without Bellinger, that likely puts Tyrone Taylor in the starting mix. Taylor had a rough 2025, posting a 70 wRC+, and while he’s a serviceable depth piece, he’s not the kind of bat you want penciled into your everyday lineup - especially for a team trying to bounce back from a missed playoff run.
Then there’s Robert Jr. himself. Once viewed as a future star, his last two seasons haven’t exactly inspired confidence.
He’s posted an 84 wRC+ in back-to-back years and has struggled to stay on the field. His second-half numbers last year - .298/.352/.456 - offer some hope, but that stretch came over just 31 games before injury shut him down again.
In six MLB seasons, he’s topped 110 games played only once.
That kind of track record brings risk. If Robert Jr. falters - whether due to injury or underperformance - the Mets could find themselves scrambling. And if they end up declining his 2027 option, they’d be back in the market for an outfielder sooner than expected.
Bellinger, on the other hand, could’ve been a stabilizing force. He brings a proven bat, Gold Glove-caliber defense, and - maybe most importantly - versatility.
The Mets just signed Jorge Polanco, who’s expected to see time at first base despite having played only one career game there. His defense has declined at second and third, and while he might hit enough to justify a DH role, asking him to learn a new position on the fly is a big ask.
With Bellinger, the Mets could’ve taken some pressure off Polanco. He could’ve slotted in at first base, freeing Polanco to focus on hitting. He also could’ve held down center field if Robert Jr. ran into trouble, or even shifted to a corner spot once Benge was ready, giving the Mets a more graceful way to integrate their top prospect.
And let’s not forget the trade flexibility. With Bellinger in the fold, the Mets could’ve more comfortably explored deals involving Benge, Brett Baty, or Mark Vientos - all of whom have been mentioned in speculation for arms like Freddy Peralta or Tarik Skubal. Having Bellinger would’ve given the front office more options, more depth, and more control.
Instead, the Yankees got the guy who checks all the boxes - and the Mets are left hoping their current pieces hold up.
This isn’t a knock on Robert Jr. He’s talented, and if he stays healthy, he could still be a difference-maker.
But Bellinger offered upside and insurance. He gave the Yankees flexibility, depth, and a proven presence in the middle of the order.
The Mets had a chance to make a big move - one that could’ve addressed multiple needs at once. They passed. Now, they’ll have to live with the decision and hope it doesn’t come back to haunt them in October.