The New York Yankees and New York Mets have been in pursuit of star outfielder Cody Bellinger, with the competition intensifying over the past week. Following the Mets’ failure to secure Kyle Tucker, Bellinger emerged as a prime target for the team. However, the Mets have shifted their focus and struck a deal to acquire center fielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox.
ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan reported that the Mets will send infielder Luisangel Acuna and right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley to Chicago in exchange for Robert. This trade marks a significant move for the Mets as they bolster their outfield with a talented player.
With this decision, the Yankees are now seen as front-runners to bring Bellinger back into their ranks. Though other teams may still be in contention for him, including the Toronto Blue Jays and the Chicago Cubs, the Yankees’ chances have improved significantly. The Blue Jays, who also expressed interest in Tucker, are a team to keep an eye on, while the Cubs, despite their reported interest earlier in the offseason, may have been sidelined by other acquisitions.
Jon Heyman from the New York Post indicated that Bellinger was weighing offers from the Yankees, Mets, and two other teams earlier this week, showcasing that interest in the player remains strong across the league.
Bellinger’s performance during his first season with the Yankees was noteworthy; he played in 152 games, hitting 29 home runs and achieving 98 RBI with a batting line of .272/.334/.480. Given his ability to complement the power of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, retaining Bellinger is critical for the Yankees. His departure could present significant challenges for the team as they aim for success in the upcoming seasons.
The recent developments regarding the Mets’ trade for Robert may signal a favorable turn for Bellinger’s potential re-signing with the Yankees. Fans can anticipate continued news and updates on Bellinger’s decision in the near future, with the Yankees likely feeling optimistic about their prospects following these developments.