Mets eye former MVP Cody Bellinger to bolster thin outfield, offering elite defense and potent offense after key departures.
Bleacher Report writer Tim Kelly updated his predictions for the MLB’s remaining top free agents in a recent article, and the New York Mets have remained as the ideal landing spot for one of free agency's biggest bats.
Cody Bellinger headlined this offseason as one of the top two outfielders on the market this free agency, along with slugger Kyle Tucker. In the first iteration of the article from early in the offseason, the Mets were predicted to land the former MVP. In Kelly’s recent update, nothing has changed on the Bellinger front.
New York remains the ideal landing spot for Bellinger, with the need for an outfielder only growing more dire after the Mets traded away Jeff McNeil, who made 51 appearances in the outfield last season. Outside of Juan Soto, the Mets’ outfield is looking thin. Bringing in Bellinger would solve several issues facing their outfield right now.
Bellinger split his time all around the outfield for the New York Yankees in 2025, with the majority of his playing time being in left field. His defensive ability, however, makes him a great candidate to hold down center field, the position in which he has played the most in his career.
Finishing in the 91st percentile in fielding run value, Bellinger could help greatly in the Mets’ effort to strengthen their defense while not sacrificing at the plate. As of now, center field would be covered by Tyrone Taylor, who serves as a great defender but doesn’t offer nearly as much value at the plate. Bellinger’s proven track record of greatness on both sides of the ball could work wonders for New York if it's able to land the 30-year-old.
Bellinger finished 2025 with a slash line of .272/.334/.480 with an .813 OPS. He drove in the second-most runs of his career on his way to 29 home runs with the Bronx Bombers last season. He also showed real improvement in the strikeout category last season, striking out just 90 times to 57 walks.
The Mets could certainly use an all-around outfielder such as Bellinger. With his predicted contract being $135 million for five years, the Mets should be willing to make a splash after losing two of their stars in free agency. The money is there to make it happen, now it’s just a matter of if they believe it ot be the best way to return to the postseason in 2026.