The New York Yankees swung a big trade for Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger last offseason, and the deal turned out to be even bigger than once thought. Bellinger put together a huge season with the Yankees and helped lead them to the postseason.
But he opted out of his contract with the Yankees, landing back in free agency this offseason.
Still, the Yankees are one of the top suitors for Bellinger, but the New York Mets make a lot of sense as a landing spot, too. The Mets plucked Juan Soto from the Yankees last winter. Can they steal Bellinger from the Bronx this offseason?
Prediction: Cody Bellinger signs with the Yankees instead of the Mets in free agency
The Yankees should be the favorites in the Bellinger sweepstakes because they’re the incumbent team and they’re desperate at this point.
The Bronx Bombers can’t afford to lose Bellinger unless they’re signing Kyle Tucker in his place. Tucker is more than likely going to land with the Toronto Blue Jays, which means the Yankees will need to give Bellinger the money he wants.
Bellinger is the perfect fit in the Bronx, especially with question marks surrounding Jasson Dominguez right now. Dominguez hasn’t been as advertised, so securing a reliable star like Bellinger for the next five or six seasons would be a huge step in the right direction.
More MLB: Yankees Trade Idea Cuts Ties With All-Star Slugger In Deal With Tigers