Following Kyle Tucker‘s decision to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Mets have shifted their focus to bolstering their outfield, setting their sights on Cody Bellinger in a growing competition with the New York Yankees. This intense bidding war for Bellinger has drawn significant attention, with reports from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale and New York Post insider Jon Heyman confirming the Mets’ aggressive interest.
Details of the Contract Negotiations
Bellinger is currently in the midst of free agency after a strong 2025 season with the Yankees, where he supported Aaron Judge by hitting 29 home runs and driving in 98 runs. While the Yankees have offered him a five-year contract, Bellinger is reportedly seeking a seven-year deal. Although the Mets have yet to agree to any long-term contracts this year, the involvement of team owner Steve Cohen could prolong negotiations, especially if Bellinger holds firm on his demands.
The Phillies are the overwhelming favorites to sign infielder Bo Bichette while the Yankees and Mets will now be in a bidding war for outfielder Cody Bellinger,
Nightengale reported.
NYY is offering one more extra to Bellinger (but they [may] need to watch out for Mets now),
Heyman wrote.
Mets Outfield Challenges Create Urgent Need
With the recent trade of Brandon Nimmo, the Mets have created a significant gap in their outfield lineup. Although Juan Soto remains a core player, the team also faces uncertainty with Starling Marte entering free agency, weakening the team’s depth further. Securing Bellinger would help address these challenges by enhancing the Mets’ offensive lineup and adding experience to the outfield.
The Impact of Bellinger’s Potential Signing
Cody Bellinger would bring considerable value to whichever New York team he joins. With the Yankees, he serves as a critical protector behind Aaron Judge in left field. For the Mets, pairing Bellinger with Juan Soto would create a formidable left-handed power duo in the heart of the batting order. The outcome of this bidding war is expected to influence the offseason moves of both franchises and shape their rosters heading into the next season.
The Phillies are the overwhelming favorites to sign infielder Bo Bichette while the Yankees and Mets will now be in a bidding war for outfielder Cody Bellinger.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 16, 2026
https://t.co/VLXH0Qc8vu MLB notes: NYY is offering one more extra to Bellinger (but they nay need to watch out for Mets now) plus notes on Hoerner, Robert, Canning, Conforto
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 16, 2026
