"Looking at the list of available free agent outfielders, Mets target Cody Bellinger is the ideal fit for the team's needs. Sammon reports that the Mets are still in on Bellinger, but only for the type of shorter-term (and presumably higher average annual value) contract Bichette received. This could be an issue since the hang-up between Bellinger and the Yankees seems to be a matter of contract length, with Bellinger wanting a longer deal than the five-year pact in the $155MM range"
"Bellinger's first two free agent contracts were a one-year deal with the Cubs worth $17.5MM in guaranteed money, and then a three-year, $80MM deal with Chicago that included opt-outs after each of the first two seasons. Bellinger passed on his first opt-out opportunity but changed teams anyway last winter when the Cubs traded him to the Yankees, and he then opted out last fall in the wake of a 4.9 fWAR season that saw him hit .272/.334/.480 with 29 homers over 656 plate appearances"
Bo Bichette signed a three-year, $126MM deal with the Mets, leaving several offseason needs unaddressed. The Mets still seek rotation help and a versatile outfielder who can handle center and corner spots. Cody Bellinger is viewed as an ideal fit given those needs. The Mets prefer shorter-term, higher-AAV contracts similar to Bichette's deal, while Bellinger and agent Scott Boras aim for a longer, multi-year agreement. Bellinger's recent track record includes a one-year $17.5MM deal, a three-year $80MM contract with opt-outs, and a 4.9 fWAR season with 29 homers.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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