Mets Rumors on Cody Bellinger Free Agency, Luis Robert Jr. Trade, More After Bo Bichette Contract

The New York Mets "still hold interest in signing" Cody Bellinger and "are eyeing a versatile outfielder who can handle center field and support the corner spots," according to Will Sammon of The Athletic, though after signing Bo Bichette, the team's preference with Bellinger would be to "acquire him in another short-term arrangement."

Sammon added that "other names worth watching include Harrison Bader (free agent), Lars Nootbar (St. Louis Cardinals), Jake Meyers (Houston Astros) and Luis Robert Jr. (Chicago White Sox), league sources said. It is possible that the Mets' list isn't limited to those names. In theory, Jarren Duran could be another option, but rival executives aren't fully convinced the Boston Red Sox end up trading him."

The Mets are also "still expected to add pitching" and are looking at options in both free agency and on the trade market, with Sammon listing Freddy Peralta, Kris Bubic and MacKenzie Gore as possibilities, though he described the latter two as "long shots."

The 30-year-old Bellinger would not only address a need in the outfield but would also help replace some of the pop lost when Pete Alonso signed with the Baltimore Orioles. Bellinger hit .272 with 29 homers, 98 RBI, 89 runs, 13 stolen bases and a .813 OPS in 152 games for the New York Yankees last season.

A lineup featuring Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, Bellinger, Bichette, Marcus Semien and Jorge Polanco would have some juice. Granted, it might not matter if the Mets don't upgrade the pitching staff as well.

There's also the matter of whether Bellinger will take the five-year, $160 million deal he reportedly has on the table from the Yankees (which includes two opt-outs). Or whether another team will swoop in with a longer-term deal than the Mets are reportedly willing to entertain.

If not Bellinger, there will be cheaper routes to go in the outfield. Robert has regressed significantly since his 38-homer, All-Star season in 2023, though going from the lowly Chicago White Sox to a contender might be the sort of change of scenery that helps him revitalize his career.

Bader, meanwhile, played with the Mets in 2024 and was a revelation for the Philadelphia Phillies in his short time with the team last season. If nothing else, he'd provide the sort of defensive boost the team wanted to prioritize this offseason.

And while neither Nootbar or Meyers would move the needle much, the Mets need outfield options. While right field is locked down by Soto, center and left are very much up for grabs. Even if Bellinger isn't the answer, the team will surely add another outfielder before Spring Training kicks off.