Mets could make big push for Cody Bellinger to fill outfield need

The New York Mets are reportedly interested in signing Yankees free agent Cody Bellinger after landing Bo Bichette, with the deal a priority.

According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Mets want to sign Bellinger to a short-term deal with a high average annual value, above the $30 million per year the Yankees offered.

The Mets inked Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal that comes out to $42 million per season, and opt-outs after the first and second season if he wants to test free agency again down the line.

New York, in an effort to avoid another massive deal on the books for a long time, wants Bellinger to sign for similar terms, giving the Mets a short-term fix at the position.

The Mets dealt Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo over the offseason, and with an aim to improve defense, a new outfield piece will be vital for the front office to achieve its goal.

“In the wake of their splashiest move of the offseason, the New York Mets are eyeing a versatile outfielder who can handle center field and support the corner spots, people familiar with their plans said,” Sammon wrote.

“Cody Bellinger, the best free-agent position player available, fits such a description. The Mets still hold interest in signing Bellinger, league sources said.

“However, it is likely that after agreeing to a three-year deal worth $126 million with Bo Bichette on Friday, per league sources, their preference with Bellinger would be to acquire him in another short-term arrangement. Bellinger’s appetite for such a deal is unknown.

“The New York Yankees’ offers feature more years. For the Mets, Bellinger represents just one of several possibilities, albeit one on the higher end of price and potential impact.

How would Bellinger fit on the Mets?

If the Mets do sign him, Bellinger can play in either left field or center field, displaying versatility and range to fill in at both spots.

Considering his defensive proficiency, he will likely end up in center field, giving them Soto and Bellinger as the key pairing, with the left outfield option coming from Brett Batty or Carson Benge.

There are other options that would help improve the defense, especially in the trade market, but Bellinger stands out as a potential key addition that would not cost prospects and would not weaken the cross-town rival.