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By Aaliyan Mohammed
Contributing Sports Writer
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The New York Yankees have some key players from last year's team on the open market, including former MVP Cody Bellinger. Bellinger was great for the Yankees in his first year with the team and opted out of his deal.
Bellinger figures to have a strong market following a stellar season. He slashed .272/.334/.480 and hit 29 home runs. He brings defensive versatility, having the ability to play in the outfield and at first base. While the Yankees and Bellinger have both expressed interest in a reunion, Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly predicted he would sign a five-year, $135 million deal with the New York Mets.
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"Bellinger thrived after an offseason trade from the Cubs to the Yankees, hitting .302 with a .909 OPS in 337 plate appearances at Yankee Stadium, a park that feels like it was designed with his swing in mind," wrote Kelly. "He also continued to be a valuable chess piece defensively, playing more than 300 innings at all three outfield positions, while also seeing some time at first base. It remains to be seen how many more seasons the 30-year-old will be able to be an option in center field, but while he is, his defensive flexibility is arguably his most valuable asset."
Bellinger is a great fit for the Mets. The team needs an upgrade in the outfield, but is also at risk of losing Pete Alonso. If Alonso does leave, Bellinger could be a fit at first base for the Mets.
Meanwhile, even if the Yankees want him back, the pursuit of a bigger star could push Bellinger out of the picture. The Yankees are reportedly interested in Kyle Tucker, and adding him may price the Yankees out of Bellinger's market.
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