Insider Predicts Yankees Lose Cody Bellinger to NL Rival

Is it time to call the New York Mets the new Evil Empire? That's what the New York Yankees must be wondering after losing another free agent to their cross-town rivals.

Of course, we all know about Juan Soto's defection from the Bronx to Queens after the 2024 season. This winter, he's been joined by relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver. And pretty soon, the list could also include free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger.

That's according to ESPN's David Schoenfield, who predicts Bellinger will be one-and-done at Yankee Stadium.

"(Mets president David) Stearns is clearly emphasizing defense -- bringing in Marcus Semien to play second base and ditching (Pete) Alonso. Bellinger fits in that regard, especially in left field, where he would be a plus defender, and he can handle center as well," Schoenfield writes.

In The Mix

"The Dodgers could be in the mix here as well, but that outfield hole for the Mets is glaring," Schoenfield adds. "If they aren't going to sign (Kyle) Tucker and if they're not willing to give a long-term deal to a pitcher, Bellinger is the best fit for them at the top of the market.

"Would the Mets give Bellinger a bigger contract than the one Alonso received from the Orioles? Bellinger is only a year younger, but over the past three seasons he has averaged 4.0 WAR while Alonso averaged 3.1," Schoenfield concludes.

And it's not just Schoenfield who is talking up Bellinger to the Mets.

Talking The Talk

"During Tuesday's episode of Hot Stove on MLB Network, insider Mark Feinsand reported that the Mets are still 'very in' on outfielder Cody Bellinger in free agency," according to SI's Logan VanDine.