MLB insider Bryan Hoch has warned that the New York Yankees could lose free agent Cody Bellinger to their rivals, the New York Mets. Bellinger, who opted out of a $25 million contract with the Yankees, is drawing interest from multiple teams. The Mets, coming off a disappointing 2025 season, see Bellinger as a potential splash signing.
Yankees' Pursuit of Bellinger in Jeopardy
Cody Bellinger remains a top target for the New York Yankees this offseason, but progress has stalled since he opted out of his $25 million guaranteed contract for the 2026 season. The 30-year-old outfielder and first baseman enjoyed his time with the Yankees, and the team has expressed strong interest in bringing him back. However, agent Scott Boras revealed that eight teams are in the mix, including the Yankees, New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Angels.
During a Reddit AMA focused on the Yankees' offseason, MLB insider Bryan Hoch highlighted the challenges. "There's definitely a ceiling, and after seeing how last week went in Orlando, I'd brace for a real possibility that Bellinger winds up elsewhere," Hoch wrote. He added, "Certain teams (cough, cough, the Mets) are in need of an offseason splash and have shown willingness to go places others won't."
Mets' Appeal and Yankees' Concerns
For the Mets, signing Bellinger would represent a significant boost following a tough 2025 campaign. The team traded longtime outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers and saw closer Edwin Diaz depart for the Los Angeles Dodgers, while first baseman Pete Alonso moved to the Baltimore Orioles. This created payroll flexibility and an outfield gap that Bellinger could fill. Last offseason, the Mets signed Juan Soto, previously with the Yankees, adding to the rivalry tension.
A move to the Mets would be a blow to the Yankees, who acquired Bellinger partly to offset Soto's departure. Without him, the Yankees' outfield features Aaron Judge and recently re-acquired Trent Grisham, with prospects Spencer Jones or Jasson Dominguez vying for the third spot. The team may pivot to free agent Kyle Tucker as an alternative, though he could command a higher price.
Boras's reputation for securing top deals means the Yankees must act decisively to retain Bellinger amid the competition.
