The Mets made a splash by signing Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal, but that move didn’t close the book on their offseason plans - not by a long shot. In fact, it might’ve just been the opening act. New York is still actively working the market, with a focus on bolstering the rotation and adding a versatile outfielder who can handle center field but also provide coverage in the corners.
And that brings us to Cody Bellinger, who checks just about every box the Mets are looking to fill. According to reports, the Mets are still in on Bellinger, but only under a specific framework: a shorter-term deal with a high average annual value, similar to what Bichette received.
That’s where things get tricky. Bellinger, who’s coming off a strong 2025 campaign, has his sights set on a longer contract - reportedly turning down a five-year, $155 million offer from the Yankees because he wants more years.
Bellinger’s recent contract history reflects a player betting on himself. After a one-year deal with the Cubs, he signed a three-year, $80 million pact with opt-outs built in.
He bypassed the first opt-out but was traded to the Yankees anyway, then opted out this past fall after a season where he posted a 4.9 fWAR, slashed .272/.334/.480, and hit 29 home runs in 656 plate appearances. That kind of production, combined with his defensive versatility, puts him in a strong negotiating position - and he knows it.
The Mets, however, are sticking to a strategy that’s become a theme this winter: shorter-term deals with big money up front. That’s the same approach they reportedly used in a four-year, $220 million offer to Kyle Tucker.
If Bellinger is open to that kind of structure, New York could be a real player. But if he’s set on long-term security, the Yankees - or another team willing to go the distance - may have the edge.
If Bellinger doesn’t land in Queens, the Mets still have other options. Harrison Bader is one of the few free agent outfielders left who brings real value in center field defensively.
On the trade front, names like Jake Meyers (Astros), Lars Nootbaar (Cardinals), and Luis Robert Jr. (White Sox) have been floated as potential fits, with both Nootbaar and Robert already linked to the Mets earlier this offseason.
Bellinger’s appeal also extends beyond the outfield. He can play first base, which could come in handy given the Mets’ infield shuffle.
Francisco Lindor is locked in at shortstop, and Marcus Semien will handle second. Bichette is expected to shift to third base - a new position for him - while Jorge Polanco is penciled in at first, another career first outside of a brief cameo there with the Mariners.
The designated hitter spot remains open, giving the Mets flexibility to rotate veterans through for rest days, while also finding at-bats for backups.
Speaking of depth, Brett Baty is being viewed as a utility option who could see time at second, third, left field, and even first base if needed. Mark Vientos, Luisangel Acuña, and Ronny Mauricio round out the infield depth chart. That group gives the Mets options - both as internal insurance and as potential trade chips if they decide to go the trade route instead of spending big in free agency.
On the pitching side, the Mets are also looking for reinforcements. MacKenzie Gore (Nationals) and Kris Bubic (Royals) are two names that have surfaced as possible trade targets, though both are considered long shots. Still, either could provide some much-needed stability to a rotation that’s currently long on potential but short on proven, healthy arms.
Gore has shown flashes over three seasons in Washington and still has upside, while Bubic had a breakout year in 2025 with a 2.55 ERA, 24.4% strikeout rate, and strong ground ball numbers before a rotator cuff strain shut him down late in the year. He’s entering his final year before free agency, which makes him a logical trade candidate - but matching up with Kansas City could be tough.
The Royals are also looking for outfield help, an area where the Mets aren’t exactly overflowing with surplus. A Mets infielder could be a fit at second base, but Kansas City seems ready to give Jonathan India a chance to bounce back.
Gore, meanwhile, is under team control for two more seasons, and the Nationals are reportedly asking for a hefty return - especially from a division rival like the Mets. That kind of premium might be a tough pill to swallow unless New York sees Gore as a long-term piece.
The free agent pitching market isn’t off the table either. Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen have both been linked to the Mets, but signing either would come with a cost beyond just dollars.
Because they rejected qualifying offers, the Mets would have to forfeit two 2026 draft picks and $1 million in international bonus pool money - penalties they’ve already accepted once to sign Bichette. Still, if the right deal comes along, the Mets aren’t ruling out going down that path again.
Bottom line: the Mets aren’t done. Bichette’s arrival was a statement, but it wasn’t the conclusion.
Whether it’s Bellinger, a trade for a controllable starter, or another short-term, high-dollar deal, New York is clearly operating with urgency - and with a plan. The pieces are coming together, and the next few weeks will tell us just how aggressive this front office is willing to be in pursuit of a postseason return.