The race for Cody Bellinger is heating up, and the Mets are reportedly very serious about making him their next big addition. But here’s where it gets interesting—this isn’t just a casual interest; sources like MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand emphasize that the Mets are 'very in' on acquiring the free agent outfielder. Bellinger, who’s been a standout in the league for nine seasons, is no stranger to accolades—he took home the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2017 and the NL Most Valuable Player Award in 2019. Last season, he played for the Yankees in New York, and interestingly, the Yankees are also keen to keep him around.
Looking back at his recent performance, Bellinger finished the last season with a 4.9 wins above replacement (fWAR), which is his second-best mark for a single year. His batting line was solid—.272 batting average, .334 on-base percentage, and a .480 slugging percentage—totaling 25 doubles, 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 89 runs scored across 152 games. What’s particularly notable is his improvement in strikeout rates—he posted a career-best 13.7% strikeout percentage, placing him in the 91st percentile for K% and the 84th percentile for whiff rate. This indicates a more disciplined approach at the plate.
Defensively, Bellinger continues to impress, especially in left field, where he finished 2025 with five Outs Above Average (OAA). His defensive metrics are outstanding—ranking in the 93rd percentile for OAA, 91st for arm value, and 83rd for arm strength—making him a valuable two-way player. Additionally, he has experience at first base and center field, providing the kind of positional versatility that Mets’ president of baseball operations David Stearns highly values.
While Feinsand didn’t spell out every detail about the Mets’ specific interests, it seems likely that their willingness to pursue Bellinger depends heavily on his contract demands. The star outfielder is believed to be aiming for a long-term deal, but if he’s open to signing a shorter-term contract with a higher average annual value (AAV), that could fit well with the Mets’ plans. Interestingly, Feinsand suggests that if Bellinger ends up re-signing with the Yankees, the Mets might turn their attention toward another key target—third baseman Alex Bregman. This would allow the Mets to position Bregman on the hot corner, while moving either Mark Vientos or Brett Baty to first base. However, he also notes that bringing in both Bregman and Bellinger seems unlikely, given the current landscape.
Overall, the Mets’ interest in Bellinger signals a strategic move to bolster their lineup with a versatile, proven performer. But the real question is—will they be able to strike a deal that satisfies both sides, or will other teams swoop in? And what does all of this mean for the upcoming offseason? Share your thoughts—do you think Bellinger’s next team will be the Mets, or does another franchise have a better shot? The drama is just beginning.
