3 major NY Mets additions we’d love that don’t involve a Tarik Skubal trade

2) Cody Bellinger

Last offseason, the Mets signed Juan Soto to a record-setting contract, swiping him away from the crosstown rival New York Yankees. The Mets have an opportunity to do that once again by signing outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. The Yankees acquired Bellinger last offseason in what was essentially a salary dump. However, he had such a good season, it's more than likely he will opt out of his current contract and test free agency.

Bellinger slashed .272/.334/.480 with a .347 wOBA, and 125 wRC+ over 659 plate appearances. His 29 home runs were the most he has hit in a season since his 2019 MVP campaign. Bellinger walked at an above-average 8.7% rate, while also putting up a career-low 13.7% strikeout percentage. His 18.1% whiff rate was the first time he was ever below 20% in that department.

Bellinger was one of the biggest snubs for the Gold Glove this year. He appeared at all three outfield positions, where he had +12 defensive runs saved, +6 outs above average, and +9 fielding run value. Bellinger's routes were efficient, and he ranked 20th in jumps on flyballs hit his way. His arm is still plenty strong enough to play all three outfield positions, as he was in the 83rd percentile of arm strength.

The only downside is that Bellinger's worst defensive numbers were in center field, where the Mets would likely station him most of the time. He only appeared in 306.1 innings at the position this year, but he is a plus defender up the middle throughout his career. Bellinger has a $25 million player option, but will likely go for the $5 million opt-out, as he'll likely get more than $20 million a season on a new contract. The Mets need another outfielder, especially one who can play center field, and Bellinger is the best option. Plus, who doesn't like sticking one to the Yanks?