The New York Yankees are facing a critical decision this offseason as they aim to re-sign outfielder Cody Bellinger, whose impressive performance has drawn significant attention from rival clubs. Recently projected by The Athletic’s Jim Bowden to secure a lucrative $168 million contract, Bellinger’s return to the Yankees is far from guaranteed, especially with formidable competition on the horizon.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield highlighted the New York Mets as the frontrunners in the race to acquire Bellinger, pointing out that the outfielder stands out not only due to his on-field capabilities but also for his positional flexibility. Bellinger can adeptly cover all three outfield spots and play first base, making him a valuable asset for any team. In particular, the Mets are in urgent need of an outfielder, especially with uncertainty surrounding Pete Alonso’s future on the roster.
Despite a remarkable 2025 season in which Bellinger boasted a .302 batting average, 18 home runs, and a .909 OPS at Yankee Stadium, skepticism remains about his road performance, which saw a significant drop to .241 with 11 home runs and a .715 OPS. However, the potential for Bellinger to contribute both in center field—as the Mets have recently relied on infielder Jeff McNeil in the outfield—and at first base makes him an ideal target for a team looking to bolster its lineup.
The Mets’ determination to strengthen their squad means that they will likely be willing to spend big to secure Bellinger’s services, which could pose a significant challenge for the Yankees. If New York fails to retain Bellinger, it would not only impact their roster but also serve as a major boost for their cross-town rivals.
This offseason, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Bellinger, and the decisions made by both the Yankees and Mets will have lasting implications for the 2024 season and beyond. With such a high-stakes scenario unfolding, fans of both teams will be eagerly anticipating the outcomes of these negotiations.