Yankees' Cody Bellinger eyed by Mets, Pete Alonso a factor

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. 

Should the Yankees decide to grant Jasson Dominguez consistent playing time at bat, and aim to promote Spencer Jones for roster impact, there may be limited opportunities for Bellinger. 

Although it may not be the most logical approach, given Bellinger's status as one of the Yankees' top hitters last year, and the fact that Jones and Dominguez remain untested, it's a situation New York will need to resolve during the offseason. 

Should Bellinger depart, many think another clear candidate emerges, which is, naturally, their local competitor, the New York Mets. 

In recent years, the Mets have demonstrated a readiness to acquire former Yankees players, and MLB.com's Mark Feinsand suggests this trend might continue. 

Why Mets could land Bellinger

Should Bellinger and the Yankees fail to reach an agreement, the Mets might seize the opportunity to acquire a star player from their city rivals for the second consecutive 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.

While the notion of Bellinger joining the Mets in Queens isn't the worst concept, particularly from the team's perspective, it would clearly not be the preferred outcome for The Yankees. 

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