The rivalry between the Mets and Yankees transcends the boundaries of the field in New York. The two franchises also have a particular head-to-head race to sign big stars, especially since the Queens franchise has become one of the most aggressive buyers in the market. This, coupled with the Bombers’ passivity in recent times, has balanced the scales in terms of spending.
Last winter, the Mets already beat the Yankees in the battle for Dominican Juan Soto, who ended up at Citi Field after shining in the Bronx. His $765 million signing broke all market barriers and sent a strong message to the Steinbrenner family and the Brian Cashman-led management.
A year later, the Mets could repeat the “Soto formula” and snatch from the Bombers a player who was key in the recently concluded campaign. We are talking about outfielder Cody Bellinger, who is now a free agent after exercising a clause in his contract that placed him on the market at the end of the 2025 season.
The urgency of the Mets
A move by the Mets for Cody Bellinger would not be a surprise, as Carlos Mendoza’s team had serious holes in center field during 2025. Tyrone Taylor and Cedric Mullins, who spent the most time at the position, struggled with the bat, to the point that neither reached .600 OPS.
In general, the seven players who defended center field in 2025 for the Mets left a poor OPS of .598, with only 47 RBIs and seven home runs, among the five worst teams in MLB in each of those departments.
Don’t be surprised if the Mets show strong interest in versatile Cody Bellinger during free agency, given their need to shore up their defense
“Don’t be surprised if the Mets show heavy interest in versatile Cody Bellinger during free agency, given their need to shore up defense at both center field and first base. Bellinger also fits well with the Mets because of his ability to adapt to the New York market, something he showed playing for the Yankees,” wrote Pat Ragazzo, a Sports Illustrated journalist.
Bellinger can play center field without any problems. In fact, he has the most games (530), plate appearances (2,062), home runs (79), RBIs (267) and runs scored (285) of his career at the position, although he also has his worst averages (.240/.308/.426/.734).
However, Bellinger’s versatility (he can play all three outfield positions and first base), his age (30) and proven track record (he has won MVP, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger in nine MLB campaigns) in the league, make him an ideal fit for a team like the Mets, who are looking for established players to accompany Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor.
Dejà vu for the Yankees?
Cody Bellinger was a very important piece for the Yankees in 2025. The left-hander hit 29 home runs, drove in 98 runs and scored 89, with a very consistent offensive line of .272/.334/.480/.813. Although he had a slow start, he soon became Aaron Judge’s squire par excellence in the Bombers’ lineup.
Arriving from the Cubs via trade, Bellinger tried to fill the void left by Juan Soto after his signing with the Mets. While he did not match the Dominican’s spectacular numbers in 2024, he managed to fill that space, perform and fit in harmoniously in the clubhouse.
With all these arguments in hand, the Yankees have Bellinger on their wish list for the current free agency, in which they could also bring back Trent Grisham. These would be cheaper options without forgetting Kyle Tucker, one of the jewels of the market, for whom it will surely be necessary to pay much more.
If the Mets end up snatching Bellinger from the Yankees, it would be a repeat of a movie that Bronx fans will not like at all.
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