Mets Named ‘Legitimate Contender’ to Poach Yankees Projected $168M Slugger

The New York Yankees have multiple players set to hit the free agency market this winter, with Cody Bellinger arguably being the most important. Bellinger was traded to the Yankees by the Chicago Cubs last winter and had a great season in New York. He finished the year hitting .272 with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 160 hits. 

It’ll be intriguing to see the type of market he has or where he could land if the Yankees don’t want to give him the money he’s looking for, but according to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, it’s possible that the New York Mets could be a landing spot. He predicted that Bellinger would land a six-year, $160 million deal, which might be too much for the Yankees to hand out. 

“Bellinger’s ability to play above-average defense at all three outfield positions and first base increases his free-agent worth, although it looks like he’s found a home in left field. He has been a perfect fit for the Yankees, where playing half his games at Yankee Stadium with the short porch in right helped him hit 29 home runs while slashing .272/.334/.480 (he had a .909 OPS at Yankee Stadium and a .715 OPS at every other park). I think he’ll opt out of his contract and try to get the Yankees to give him a longer deal… Best team fits: Yankees, Mets, Astros, Padres, Guardians, Royals, Angels, Mariners. Contract prediction: 6-years, $168 million,” he wrote.

Does Cody Bellinger Fit the Mets?

According to a report from MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the New York Mets are a legitimate suitor for Bellinger’s services. With their need for an outfielder and possibly losing Pete Alonso at first base, Bellinger could fill either of those roles. If it happened, this would be another player the Mets have poached from the New York Yankees over the past few years. 

“The Mets stand out as a legitimate contender for Bellinger, who could play center field in Queens, or potentially replace fellow free agent (and Scott Boras client) Pete Alonso at first base if he signs elsewhere. The Mets swiped the Yankees’ left fielder a year ago when they signed Soto, so why not do it again? The local tabloids would certainly appreciate the back-page content,” he wrote.

Will the Yankees Let Cody Bellinger Walk?

Some New York Yankees fans would rather have the team land Kyle Tucker, which might not be the worst idea. On the surface, Tucker is a better player than Bellinger at this moment, but he’s also going to come at a much higher price tag. 

According to the latest report from Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, there are also voices in the Yankees organization who prefer Bellinger over Tucker.

“Kyle Tucker’s name figures to be mentioned frequently in media reports, and he’d also be an appealing fit (with the Yankees), but there are voices within the organization who prefer Bellinger’s defensive versatility,” Hoch wrote. 

If the Yankees want Bellinger back and he enjoyed his time in New York, it seems like an obvious match. However, if the Yankees aren’t willing to give him what he’s looking for and he wants to stay in New York, that’s when the New York Mets could easily come into play.

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