Mets Could Fill Void with Massive Rival Free Agent

The New York Mets have pulled off a massive jersey swap before, with the acquisition of Juan Soto in free agency on a massive 15-year, $765 million deal. As 2025 has continued to look both promising and worrying, the Mets may realize a big need for center field. This position, however, isn’t impossible to fill in free agency, as there remains a big bat on the market who could turn the tide.

Possible Free Agent Target for the Mets this Offseason

Kyle Tucker May Not Be the Best Outfielder on the Market for the Mets

This statement is a bold one, as many wouldn’t even think twice about who the best outfielder on the market in free agency is. However, when it comes to specific positions, Kyle Tucker may just not make sense for New York. Tucker isn’t a center fielder, and he would likely have to replace either Juan Soto or Brandon Nimmo. And of course, moving Soto to DH takes away some options, while Nimmo is too expensive and good to move away from in LF.

If Soto were to be moved to DH, then he would be a very expensive DH, and the Mets wouldn’t have the ability to target a DH like Kyle Schwarber. Tucker is a great player, but at the moment, he doesn’t make sense for New York.

Cody Bellinger Could Be the Answer New York Needs

Cody Bellinger may be the answer the Mets are looking for. In center, the Mets didn’t do too much to improve their roster during the deadline, as Cedric Mullins does leave much to be desired offensively. If New York wanted to, then the Mets could probably fill in center field with Mullins and hope for another 20/20 season.

However, if the Mets want to become the team to beat, one player who should be a massive target is the former MVP Bellinger. Bellinger provides versatility, defense, and power. Even though Bellinger hasn’t looked close to being the 2019 version of himself, Bellinger has made a new name for himself over the recent seasons, especially this season.

Bellinger has hit 21 homers this season with a nice .272 average and 67 RBI’s, all while having an .814 OPS. The Mets’ lineup this season has been anything but good, especially the back end of the lineup. If New York wants to get drastically better, then Bellinger is a beautiful target.

Free Agency May Be What New York Needs to Balance Its Team

The Mets have a good core, with, of course, Soto, Nimmo, Pete Alonso, and Francisco Lindor. However, after these players, the lineup falls off a cliff with an abundance of young players who can hit home runs but have horrifying averages. The team, as a result, has struggled offensively and needs balance.

In free agency, many free agents, including Schwarber, Bellinger, and more, could massively help the team. The Mets feel like a team that’s half good, half young and unproven. A team divided against itself cannot stand. To become the juggernaut that many expect in this new Soto era, the Mets need balance. Bellinger in center, Schwarber at DH, and more is exactly what New York needs to provide balance.

Overall, many names on the market have gotten a lot of attention. Much of the attention is warranted, of course, the superstars or potential superstars are absolute game changers. However, the one name New York may need to target isn’t Tucker, but Bellinger. The Mets need balance more than anything else. The rotation hasn’t been great at times, but the issues feel more offense-oriented than not. In free agency, it is time for New York to fix this issue.