The New York Mets will surely have their eggs in the basket of Juan Soto's free agency this winter. However, if they are unable to land him they should still have marquee outfield options to pivot to.
While predicting the 2025 Opening Day lineups for each MLB team, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicted Cody Bellinger to be starting for the Mets. Bellinger signed a three-year, $80 million contract last offseason with the Chicago Cubs. However, his deal includes an opt-out after this season.
"The Mets are expected to make a run at Juan Soto in free agency, but if they miss out on signing him, Cody Bellinger could be a logical fallback plan," wrote Reuter. "That is, of course, if he opts out of the final two years of his current contract with the Chicago Cubs for another run at free agency."
Bellinger is a two-time All-Star and won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 2019 for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This season he is slashing .267/.325/.424 with 15 home runs. He would be an upgrade over Harrison Bader in centerfield.
The 29-year-old certainly would make a lot of sense for the Mets. He's a dynamic offensive player who could bolster the middle of the lineup. Plus, he can play in the outfield or help out at first base at times. He would be a great option, although expensive.
Bellinger is projected to sign a four-year, $96 million contract should he elect to opt out and become a free agent.
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