Cody Bellinger is there for the Mets’ taking. Now, it is up to David Stearns to dole out one big contract this winter.
The veteran outfielder’s talks with the Yankees have reportedly reached “an impasse,” according to ESPN’s Buster Olney, adding that Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman are “operating under the assumption that Bellinger is going to sign elsewhere.”
Bellinger had been the Yankees’ No. 1 priority this offseason after a strong first year in the Bronx. The 2019 NL MVP hit 29 home runs with 98 RBI as the No. 2 bat behind Aaron Judge. Considering the Yankees’ slow offseason, which has not brought any significant upgrades to the lineup, losing Bellinger would be a substantial blow.
It also presents the very real possibility of losing another big name to the crosstown-rival Mets. David Stearns still needs to replace Brandon Nimmo, whom he traded to the Texas Rangers in November for veteran second baseman Marcus Semien.
Bellinger is also steady at first base, which would provide some insurance at the position should career middle infielder Jorge Polanco struggle after signing a two-year, $40 million deal with the Mets to replace Pete Alonso — an impossible task.
His acquisition would be the centerpiece of a winter that has featured far more losses than gains. Alongside Nimmo and Alonso’s departures, the Mets also lost closer Edwin Diaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency and traded second baseman Jeff McNeil to the Athletics. Bellinger would quickly slot into the middle of the Mets’ lineup behind Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto.
Of course, it would take Stearns to contradict this offseason’s philosophy of not spending top-tier money. The Yankees reportedly offered a five-year deal worth more than $30 million per season. Bellinger and his agent, Scott Boras, are seeking more than five years with an average annual value well over that $30 million mark.
That would force the Mets to offer more than the five years and $155 million that Alonso signed to join the Baltimore Orioles, which was a length and price far more than Stearns wanted to commit to.
Perhaps Bellinger’s blend of defensive versatility and pop would coax Stearns to open the checkbook, but it would certainly improve the Mets’ prospects heading into 2026.
