The Yankees had their eyes on a right-handed bat to balance out their lefty-heavy lineup this offseason-and they aimed high. According to reports, New York explored a trade for Luis Robert Jr., the dynamic center fielder from the Chicago White Sox. Robert checks just about every box you want in a modern outfielder: power, speed, defense, and a strong arm, all from the right side of the plate.
But in a twist that adds some extra spice to the upcoming season in New York, it was the Mets-not the Yankees-who landed Robert. That’s right.
The Bronx Bombers missed out, and their crosstown rivals swooped in to bring Robert to Queens. The Yankees pivoted quickly, re-signing Cody Bellinger, who now slots into left field, while Trent Grisham handles center.
Both hit from the left side.
It’s one of those “what if” moments that could end up shaping the trajectory of both franchises this year. If the Yankees had pulled off the Robert deal, would the Mets have turned their attention to Bellinger instead? That’s not just a hypothetical-it’s a real sliding-doors scenario that could have flipped the script for both clubs.
Now, the spotlight shifts to how these moves actually play out on the field. Robert, under club control through next season, gives the Mets a potential franchise center fielder with elite upside.
If things go well, an extension could be in the cards. Bellinger, meanwhile, returns to the Bronx on a five-year deal, looking to recapture the form that once made him one of baseball’s most feared hitters-and to prove he’s more than just a short-term fix.
What makes this even more compelling is the growing rivalry between the two New York teams-not just on the field, but in the front office. With Mets owner Steve Cohen showing a willingness to spend and swing big in both the free agent and trade markets, the Yankees now have real competition for top-tier talent in their own backyard.
This Robert-Bellinger swap-one that never officially happened, but still left its mark-could be just the beginning. Keep an eye on this dynamic all season long.
The battle for New York isn’t just about wins and losses anymore. It’s about who can build the better roster-and who can land the next big star.