Free Agent Showdown: Yankees vs. Mets
It looks like the competition for top free agents between Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner from the Yankees and David Stearns and Steve Cohen from the Mets might heat up once again.
With Kyle Tucker having departed for the Dodgers on a hefty four-year, $240 million contract, both the Yankees and Mets are eyeing Cody Bellinger.
The Yankees have clearly indicated that Bellinger is a key target this offseason. Meanwhile, the Mets have shown interest in the versatile outfielder and first baseman as well.
With Pete Alonso heading to the Orioles and Tucker now off the board, Bellinger and Bo Bichette remain the standout hitters available in free agency. It seems plausible the Mets will want to consider Bellinger seriously.
Bichette has been mentioned in connection with the Phillies, and since the Mets have already brought in a shortstop and a second baseman, Bellinger appears to be their most viable option.
The 30-year-old Bellinger is still waiting to sign a contract, primarily due to a disagreement with the Yankees about how long the contract should be.
He and his agent, Scott Boras, are reportedly looking for a seven-year deal. However, the Yankees have countered with an offer of $155 million over five years, averaging about $31 million annually.
The Yankees have added two opt-out clauses to sweeten the deal.
Interestingly, the fact that Bellinger hasn’t signed elsewhere might suggest that other teams aren’t willing to outbid the Yankees, which could leave the door open for the Mets to step in.
The Mets’ four-year, $220 million offer indicates they still have substantial funds this offseason, even if they rate Tucker and Bellinger differently.
Bellinger would be a solid fit for the Mets, offering flexibility in the outfield and first base, especially after losing Brandon Nimmo and Alonso this offseason.
With the Mets, Yankees, and Blue Jays all hunting for another hitting option, the reality is this: at least one of these teams might lose out on acquiring either Bellinger or Bichette and could find themselves in a bit of a scramble.
There are other quality hitters available through trades, like Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals, but pursuing a trade would impact future budgets rather than current spending.
