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Yankees dealt nightmare scenario for Cody Bellinger
The New York Yankees could soon be without Cody Bellinger.
Bellinger is one of the top free agents available, and several teams will be interested in him. However, it has widely been expected that he will return to the Yankees this offseason.
The New York Mets have seen Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso leave in free agency; Alonso’s departure leaves a massive hole in New York’s lineup.
With that, Morosi believes the Mets will pursue Bellinger to replace Alonso, and claims he’s a better fit for them now.
“Cody Bellinger — like Alonso, a Boras client — is a better fit for the Mets now than ever before,” Morosi wrote on X.
If the Mets do go all-in on Bellinger, it could be a nightmare scenario for the Yankees. It would be the second-straight offseason that the Yankees see a star hitter leave for the Mets, as Juan Soto left the Bronx for Queens last year.
Also, if Bellinger does leave, it could leave a hole in the Yankees’ lineup, which could be hard to replace.
Bellinger hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs last season with the Yankees. He’s a one-time NL MVP.
Bellinger Remains Yankees’ Top Priority
New York acquired Bellinger last offseason from the Chicago Cubs, and he fit in well in the Bronx.
Bellinger was an impactful batter for New York, and general manager Brian Cashman said they want to bring him back.
“He was an impactful player for us last year, and we’d love to have him back,” Cashman said. “The one thing with (Trent) Grisham signing, we had two free agents that had left us in a very productive outfield between (Aaron) Judge, Cody and Grisham. We’ve got two of those three back. So that gives us some comfort, because obviously I have a lane that I can go with if the markets dictate that, but if I can find matches too that make enough sense — whether it’s free agents or challenge trades that pull me in a different direction — then we’re open-minded to that as well.
“Cody Bellinger would be a great fit for us. I think he’d be a great fit for anybody. He’s a very talented player that can play multiple positions at a high level and hits lefties, hits righties. He’s a contact guy, and I think our environment was a great one for him.”
Bellinger completed his three-year, $80 million deal.
What Will Bellinger Get in Free Agency?
Bellinger is one of the top hitters available and should be in line for a massive payday this offseason.
ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel ranks Bellinger as the sixth-ranked free agent. The analyst predicts Bellinger to sign a six-year, $165 million ($27.5M AAV) deal.
“Bellinger is an average defensive center fielder who is above average in a corner-outfield spot and solid at first base, as well,” McDaniel wrote. “His wide base of skills and versatility give him a high floor. And the adjustability of changing his offensive approach in the big leagues suggests he’ll age well.
“There aren’t many potential core position players in this class, but Bellinger still being young for a free agent while fitting well at four positions should give him a robust market. I see five or six years here, and I think he’ll clear $150 million.”
Bellinger is a two-time MLB All-Star.
Cole Shelton Cole Shelton covers the NHL, MLB and Cleveland Browns for Heavy.com. He has covered pro and college sports since 2016, including bylines at BJ Penn, USA Today, SB Nation, Rotowire, Canadian Baseball Network and more. More about Cole Shelton
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