The New York Mets have reportedly received good news in their interest in free-agent hitter Cody Bellinger. After signing former Toronto Blue Jays star Bo Bichette, the Mets appear ready to land another free agent in Bellinger.
Moreover, The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty, who covers the New York Yankees, provided new information on the Bellinger rumor, which bodes well for the Mets adding another big bat to their lineup for the 2026 season.
“As the Yankees wait for Bellinger, they have turned their attention to the trade market, so they’re ready to move on from him if they find a deal to their liking, or are prepared to pivot should he sign elsewhere,” Kuty wrote in his article that was published on Jan. 18.
Moreover, Kuty also revealed the latest on the contract, what the Yankees are willing to offer Bellinger, as both sides play hardball.
“The Athletic has since learned, via a league source who has been briefed on the ongoing talks, that the Yankees would be willing to include opt-outs after Year 2 and Year 3 of the five-year deal,” Kuty wrote.
“That’s in addition to a signing bonus, which the New York Post’s Jon Heyman first reported. At the time of the Yankees’ latest offer, Bellinger’s camp had been pushing for a deal with seven years and a higher average annual value (than $31 million to $32 million), and it appears they haven’t moved off the request.”
Will Sammon Provides Latest on Mets and Cody Bellinger
As for the Mets, Will Sammon of The Athletic made it clear that New York are still eyeing Bellinger. He also provided how the Mets would like to acquire Bellinger.
“It is likely that after agreeing to a three-year deal worth $126 million with Bo Bichette on Friday, per league sources, their preference with Bellinger would be to acquire him in another short-term arrangement,” Sammon wrote on X.
“Bellinger’s appetite for such a deal is unknown. The New York Yankees’ offers feature more years. For the Mets, Bellinger represents just one of several possibilities, albeit one on the higher end of price and potential impact.”
Former MLB Player Believes Mets Want Cody Bellinger
Meanwhile, CBS Sports’ Lewis Brinson has no doubt that the Mets have an interest on Bellinger as New York look to make another big move following their signing of Bichette.
“I think they’re still in the sweepstakes for Mr. Bellinger,” Brinson said during a Jan. 16 appearance on CBS Sports HQ. “I think they could get a little two-for-one right here, win-win situation for the Mets right here. I don’t think they’re out on Cody Bellinger.
“You talk about a three-year $126 [million] for Bo Bichette, that still leaves some money on the table. We all know Mr. [Steve] Cohen ain’t scared to spend some money. So, I think they’re still in the sweepstakes for Cody Bellinger there.”
Per StatMuse, Bellinger had a .272 batting average with 160 hits, 29 homers, 98 RBIs, and 89 runs scored in 152 games for the Yankees last season. The Mets probably want this production to remain in New York but move over to Queens.
Yankees Insider Delivers Mets Huge Cody Bellinger News