The rumors are swirling furiously, and the “star free agent” on the brink of what many Yankees fans would consider the ultimate betrayal is outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger.
Despite a highly successful 2025 season with the Yankees and mutual interest in a reunion, top analysts are now predicting Bellinger will sign a massive contract with the cross-town rival New York Mets, creating a sense of disbelief and uproar in the Bronx.
🎯 The Main Character: Cody Bellinger
Bellinger, the 2019 NL MVP, revitalized his career in pinstripes in 2025 after opting out of his prior contract. His production—slashing 72 34 480 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs—made him the Yankees’ top free agent priority this offseason (Source 2.3).
However, the threat of betrayal is high:
- The Rival: The New York Mets are reportedly prepared to offer Bellinger a contract in the neighborhood of five years, $\text{\$135}$ million, and have a clear need for his defensive versatility and high-end hitting (Source 2.2, 2.4).
- The Precedent: Just last year, the Yankees endured the painful sight of their trade acquisition, superstar Juan Soto, departing for the Mets on a record-setting contract (Source 4.1). Seeing Bellinger follow the same path would turn frustration into outright fury for the Yankees fanbase.
- The Fit for Queens: Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns is focused on enhancing defense and run prevention. Bellinger, a Gold Glove winner who can play center field, left field, and first base, fits that mandate perfectly. He would instantly stabilize the Mets’ outfield defense (Source 2.3).
📈 The Yankees’ Dilemma
Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman is in a high-stakes battle to either retain Bellinger or pivot to an alternate superstar, a situation made worse by the looming shadow of the Mets:
- The Sticking Point: Bellinger’s preference is rumored to be to stay in the Bronx, but the Yankees are reportedly unwilling to meet his perceived market value as they weigh their long-term payroll and explore other options, namely perennial MVP candidate Kyle Tucker (Source 2.4).
- The “Bigger Fish” Strategy: Some analysts believe the Yankees are prioritizing the more expensive Kyle Tucker, who is projected to land a contract topping $\text{\$360}$ million. If the Yankees pursue Tucker, it will leave Bellinger on the outside, creating the perfect opportunity for the Mets to swoop in (Source 2.1, 2.4).
- The Aftermath: If Bellinger signs with the Mets, the Yankees would lose two All-Star outfielders in two years (Soto and Bellinger) and would be forced to rely heavily on young, unproven talents like Jasson DomÃnguez and Spencer Jones in the corners (Source 2.2).
The predicted move is not just a free-agent signing; it is a direct blow in the cross-town rivalry, fueled by the Yankees’ reluctance to finalize a deal and the Mets’ willingness to spend big to capitalize on their rivals’ indecision.
