For the second straight year, the Yankees and Mets are battling over a star outfielder, and this time it’s Cody Bellinger, who enhanced his free agency with his 5-WAR season.
He fits both teams as someone who can play some first base. Kyle Tucker is the No. 1 free agent, but Bellinger’s versatility works better for the New York teams. (His price tag is lower, too.)
The Yankees have made him their priority, and seem pretty confident that, unlike superstar Juan Soto, he won’t skip to Queens.
Aaron Judge is said to be a big advocate for bringing back Bellinger.