Mets predicted to sign $180M World Series champion, NL MVP to replace Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo

Hunter Cookston

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Mets predicted to sign $180M World Series champion, NL MVP to replace Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo image

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The most surprising name still available this offseason is Cody Bellinger. Entering free agency, it seemed clear that he had a strong sense of his potential destinations. However, that hasn’t been the case at all. Even so, Bellinger is still in line for a significant payday.

“ESPN's Kiley McDaniel initially projected Bellinger would get a six-year, $165 million contract. But now the ballpark numbers are six years and $180 million. Bellinger's price tag started to move after the Philadelphia Phillies re-signed designated hitter Kyle Schwarber for five years and $150 million, and the Baltimore Orioles landed former New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso for five years and $155 million,” SI’s Michael Rosenstein wrote.

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden believes there are only three teams seriously in the mix for Bellinger, as he continues to command a hefty price tag.

“The market for Cody Bellinger is robust with the most likely result that he signs with a big market, contending team as expected with the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers the most likely landing spots for him at this point in that order,” Bowden posted.

Bellinger has already played for both the Dodgers and Yankees, but not the Mets. MLB.com’s Andrew Simon sees New York ultimately getting the deal done following a largely underwhelming offseason.

“It’s not hard to see Bellinger heading back to the Yankees or even returning to the Dodgers. But his particular set of skills feels like an ideal match for a Mets roster that has shed three cornerstones in Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo. Bellinger would give New York coverage at three positions where they now have some question marks,” Simon wrote.

What attracts teams most to Bellinger is his versatility. He has consistently shown the ability to play multiple positions at a high level, and that flexibility remains one of his greatest assets.

The Mets need a player like Bellinger, or else rumblings could grow louder in Queens. Signing him would also mark the second consecutive offseason in which New York steals a top player away from the Yankees.

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