MLB.com links Yankees' Cody Bellinger to Mets, naming Pete Alonso factor as why

While it seems likely that the New York Yankees will keep Cody Bellinger around, there's also a side of the story that suggests it might be better to move on from him. 

If the Yankees want to give Jasson Dominguez an opportunity to get every game at-bats, and they’re looking to give Spencer Jones an opportunity to come up and make an impact on this roster, there might not be much of a place for Bellinger to play. 

While it might not make the most sense to go that route, considering Bellinger is one of the better hitters in the Yankees lineup a year ago, and Jones and Dominguez are still unproven, it's something New York will ultimately have to figure out with its offseason. 

In the event that Bellinger walks, some believe there’s another obvious suitor, and of course, that's their cross-town rival, the New York Mets. 

The Mets have shown over the past few years that they're willing to sign former Yankees players, and according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, it wouldn't be surprising to see that happen once again. 

Why Mets could land Bellinger

If Bellinger and the Yankees can’t find common ground, the Mets could swoop in and steal a star from their crosstown rivals for a second straight offseason. 

“The Mets clearly have the financial wherewithal to sign Bellinger, and with the lineup potentially facing the loss of Pete Alonso, adding a big bat will be in their plans this winter. Starling Marte and Cedric Mullins are free agents, leaving an opening in the outfield, though Alonso’s departure would also leave the Mets in need of a first baseman,” he wrote.

The idea of Bellinger playing in Queens isn't the worst idea, at least from the Mets' standpoint, but it obviously wouldn't be ideal from the Yankees' standpoint. 

He's an above-average player, so losing guys like that to a rival is never a want.