Former MVP Reportedly Is 'Strong Fit' To Join Mets In Free Agency
How big will the New York Mets go this offseason?
New York certainly has room for growth after just 75 wins in 2023. The Mets also have plenty of money to spend. New York realistically could be the highest bidder on whichever star the club would want this offseason but it's unclear to what extent the club will spend.
The Mets hired former Milwaukee Brewers executive David Stearns to come in and right the ship and that doesn't necessarily mean the club will just throw money out the window left and right. New York may not even be eyeing the 2024 campaign as a chance to compete for a World Series title. It's unclear what the club's plans are but there are external options available to improve the club if the team decides to spend.
One player who reportedly could be a fit for the Mets is Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger, according to SNY's Danny Abriano.
The biggest name out there in free agency will be Cody Bellinger, who played like a star for the Cubs in 2023 after brutal seasons for the Dodgers in 2021 and 2022," Abriano said. Entering his age-28 season and with true superstar upside (along with serious power from the left side), Bellinger would be a strong fit for New York. However, it seems much more likely that the Mets will take their biggest free agent swings this offseason on the pitching market."
Bellinger makes sense for the outfield-needy Mets. New York needs some help in the outfield and a power boost and Bellinger checks both boxes. The 28-year-old clubbed 26 home runs in 2023 with 97 RBIs and an impressive .307/.356/.525 slash line. The 2019 National League Most Valuable Player was healthy this season and returned to star form.
He will be the most expensive position player in free agency this year not named Shohei Ohtani. It's unclear how much the Mets are willing to spend but there certainly is a roster fit with Bellinger.