The New York Mets have been linked most of the offseason in free agent rumors connecting them to Cody Bellinger, who just had a starring season with the New York Yankees.
Now, the Mets have an idea of what it'll take to get the lefty slugger.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported on Monday that the Yankees are offering Bellinger a five-year contract in the $160 million range.
Nightengale added in his report that Bellinger's camp is seeking a seven-year deal.
And, well, there you have it.
The Mets could swoop in with a seven-year deal and potentially land Bellinger.
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If it's at that rate the Yankees are offering for five years, the Mets would be looking at seven years for $224 million, which is a lot higher than Bellinger has been projected to receive this offseason.
But maybe if the Mets give Bellinger the length he wants, it could come in at more like seven for $200-210 million.
The Mets are also reported to still be in on Kyle Tucker, and the free agencies of Tucker and Bellinger are at least somewhat linked. Tucker should cost more, but both are impressive lefty-hitting outfielders at the top of the market.
When one gets signed, the other might go quick.
No one really knows which one the Mets might want more, or how much owner Steve Cohen is willing to commit for one.
But if the Mets want one, it's starting to get closer to crunch time.
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