Yankees Rival Urged to Steal Cody Bellinger Amid Sweepstakes

By Aaliyan Mohammed

Contributing Sports Writer

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The New York Yankees have reportedly made Cody Bellinger their top priority this offseason, but they are not the only team pursuing the superstar slugger.

According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, among the teams interested in signing Bellinger is the New York Mets, the Yankees' crosstown rival. The Mets have already signed Devin Williams and Luke Weaver this offseason, after stealing Juan Soto and Clay Holmes from the Yankees last offseason. Adding Bellinger to the list would fill a huge need for the Mets.

The Mets traded away Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, while also losing Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz in free agency. They need production on offense and help at first base and in the outfield. Bellinger checks all of the boxes and MLB.com's Andrew Simon tabbed the Mets as a perfect fit for him.

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Bellinger is a former MVP and two-time All-Star. He is one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball and has the ability to play first base with average defense. Last season, he hit 29 home runs and had a .813 OPS. The Mets, led by Steve Cohen, have not been the big spenders many expected this offseason, but adding Bellinger could change that.

The competition to land him is stiff, but the Mets are not going to sit idly by all offseason and watch other teams add stars. They may be waiting to see where Kyle Tucker signs before going after other star free agents.

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