The New York Mets appear far from done making big splashes in this offseason, following their stunning agreement to sign Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract to play third base (with opt-outs after the first and second seasons, no deferrals, and a full no-trade clause).
All eyes now turn to another marquee free agent still on the market, potentially leaving the New York Yankees empty-handed in their pursuit.
The Mets can still chase Cody Bellinger
According to Sports Illustrated (and echoed across reports on Friday, January 16, 2026), the Mets remain very much in the mix for free-agent outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger, even after adding Bichette despite an already crowded infield (Francisco Lindor at SS, Marcus Semien at 2B, Jorge Polanco and others at 1B, with Brett Baty shifting roles).
The Los Angeles Dodgers outbid everyone (including the Mets) for Kyle Tucker on a four-year, $240 million deal late Thursday, shifting the spotlight squarely to Bellinger. His versatility is hugely appealing: above-average defense at first base and in center and left field, plus a left-handed bat that would provide serious lineup protection for Lindor, Juan Soto, and now Bichette. Bellinger also owns a .929 career OPS at Citi Field in 20 games-perfect for the short porches.
The Yankees had long seemed the most logical landing spot for Bellinger (who excelled in the Bronx last season), but negotiations remain stalled: New York is firm on a five-year offer worth $155-160 million (with potential opt-outs), while Bellinger-represented by Scott Boras-is holding out for a seven-year contract (seeking around $36-37 million AAV). Other teams like the Dodgers (post-Tucker), San Francisco Giants, and even the Toronto Blue Jays have been mentioned, but the Mets’ aggressive spending under Steve Cohen and David Stearns makes them a real threat.
A lineup featuring Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Bo Bichette, and Cody Bellinger would instantly rank among the most feared offenses in baseball-loaded with power, contact, on-base skills, and positional flexibility.
The big unknown: Would the Mets commit to a long-term deal for Bellinger (breaking from their recent preference for short-term, high-AAV contracts like Bichette’s and their pursuit of Tucker), or would the slugger accept a short-term, sky-high AAV pact-the model New York has embraced to manage luxury-tax penalties?
Queens has already shown no fear in capitalizing on market opportunities with lucrative short deals. Could Bellinger be the next impact bat to join under that blueprint? For now, fresh off landing Bichette, the Mets remain locked in on the lefty slugger’s situation.
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