There has been an odd story brewing in Major League Baseball free agency so far this winter. The New York Yankees have lost two players to the New York Mets, as Devin Williams and Luke Weaver have both ditched the Yankees for the Mets.
As the offseason continues to progress, the Yankees are at risk of another free agent, this time Cody Bellinger, ditching the Yankees for the Mets. It's a major fear amid the Mets' interest, especially after their Juan Soto steal last offseason.
While just a prediction, ESPN's David Schoenfield predicts that the Yankees will lose Bellinger this winter to the Mets on a huge $180 million, six-year deal.
Yankees predicted to lose Cody Bellinger to Mets, just like Devin Williams, Luke Weaver
"Prediction: Mets." Schoenfield writes. "If they aren't going to sign Tucker and if they're not willing to give a long-term deal to a pitcher, Bellinger is the best fit for them at the top of the market."
The Mets have the money to spend this winter, and while they've been conservative with Pete Alonso and other free agents with going beyond three years and certain price points, they could break the bank for Bellinger.
Schoeonfield's prediction has the Mets signing Bellinger to a long-term deal, rounding out their outfield, and bringing in another former Yankees player.
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For the second straight offseason, the Mets could be swiping a top Yankees free agent outfielder from their in-city rival. Bellinger might not command the same status or contract as Soto did, but he's a very important piece to the puzzle for the Yankees.
Losing him in free agency is a big concern, and Schoenfield's prediction would be the worst-case scenario for the Yankees. Not only would they lose Bellinger, but he would be joining a team that has already taken multiple key free agents from the Yankees in the last two offseasons.
The Yankees are predicted to lose Bellinger, in what would be a brutal way for their offseason to unfold. Losing multiple free agents would sting enough on its own, but losing them to one team, and a rival at that, would only add insult to injury.
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