The New York Mets made one of the loudest moves of the offseason by signing Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal to play third base—but all signs point to this being only the beginning.
According to sources who spoke with Mets On SI on Friday, the Mets remain very much in play for free-agent first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger, the top remaining position player on the open market.
Sources: Mets are still in on free agent Cody Bellinger after signing Bo Bichettehttps://t.co/lXTLajYkQS
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) January 16, 2026
Pivoting Quickly After Missing on Kyle Tucker
New York’s urgency is no accident. The Mets were outbid for superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker on Thursday night, as Tucker ultimately signed a four-year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Rather than lingering, the Mets pivoted swiftly—landing Bichette despite an already crowded infield and signaling they’re operating in full win-now mode.
Now, attention shifts to Bellinger.
Why Cody Bellinger Makes Sense for the Mets
Bellinger’s versatility is a major selling point for a Mets roster still sorting through positional fits.
He provides:
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Above-average defense at first base, center field, and left field
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A left-handed bat to balance the lineup
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Protection for stars like Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto
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Proven success at Citi Field, where he owns a .929 career OPS in 20 games
The Mets could deploy Bellinger in center or left field, or slide him to first base if they’re hesitant to rely on Jorge Polanco or Brett Baty at the position.
Yankees Stalemate Opens the Door
For much of the offseason, the New York Yankees have been viewed as Bellinger’s most logical landing spot. But talks have reportedly stalled.
The Yankees are unwilling to move off a five-year offer, while Bellinger is believed to be seeking a seven-year deal. That impasse has created an opening—and the Mets are watching closely.
Still an Elite Bat
Now 30, Bellinger is coming off a strong 2025 season in the Bronx, slashing:
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.272 / .334 / .480
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.813 OPS
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29 home runs
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98 RBI
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5.1 bWAR across 152 games
A former NL MVP with the Dodgers in 2019, Bellinger struggled from 2020–2022 before reviving his career with the Chicago Cubs in 2023. Since then, he’s reestablished himself as a middle-of-the-order force.
The Bigger Picture
If the Mets are serious about closing the gap with the Dodgers in the National League, adding Bellinger after Bichette would be a massive step.
A lineup featuring Lindor, Soto, Bichette, and Bellinger would instantly rank among the most dangerous offenses in baseball—deep, balanced, and built for October.
The remaining question isn’t fit.
It’s term.
Final Take
The Mets have already shown they’re willing to get creative—handing out shorter, high-AAV contracts to elite talent when opportunities arise. If Bellinger becomes open to a similar structure, New York is positioned to strike.
After landing Bo Bichette, one thing is clear:
The Mets aren’t done—and Cody Bellinger may be their next move.
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