Mets Have Sights Set on Chicago Cubs Superstar in Free Agency

The New York Mets may have their sights set on Chicago Cubs slugger Cody Bellinger in MLB free agency.

The Chicago Cubs took a chance on 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger this season on a one-year, $17.5 million deal.

It paid off. In a massive way. 

Bellinger helped lead the team to a position where they were in the thick of the postseason race all the way to the end of the season. He was by far the most productive player on the roster.

That also means that nearly every team who could use an elite center fielder, or any outfielder for that matter, will be looking to pursue Bellinger this winter in MLB free agency.

One team that could sign him are the New York Mets according to SNY.

As the article states, the Mets could use some serious lefty power and Bellinger is a bonafide superstar. Something Mets owner Steve Cohen loves - star power. 

While New York had a fire sale at the 2023 MLB trade deadline, they still expect to be active and competitive this season. While they will need plenty of starting pitching to bolster their rotation, perhaps they will opt not to pursue a duo of 40-something year olds and will fill out the roster in a more sustainable manner.

But there will be stiff competition for Bellinger. 

The Cubs seem likely to pursue him heavily, he is a perfect fit and became a fan favorite almost instantly. Chicago would not be able to find the same production at the position from anyone else on the market. 

Bellinger is one of the most influential reasons why the Cubs were able to achieve what they did.

However, Bellinger could be looking at a pay day in the five-year, $115 million range. Is that too rich for Chicago?

It almost certainly isn't for the Mets.

And that's what New York will be hoping for when it comes to acquiring MVP-level services.