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As we saw in this year’s World Series, defense wins championships. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays were both among the best teams when it came to fielding in 2025. The New York Mets, however, were about middle of the pack. They had +25 defensive runs saved, but -13 outs above average. However, they could have plenty of opportunities this offseason to add some good defenders via free agency. These three players in particular stand out as strong defenders who could fill a need for the Mets.
1) Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger is a free agent every Mets fan should want on their offseason wishlist. Bellinger had an outstanding rebound season in the box with the crosstown rival New York Yankees, batting .272/.334/.480 with a .347 wOBA, and 125 wRC+. However, Bellinger’s defense in the outfield would make the Mets a lot better. He’s been one of baseball’s better defensive outfielders for a while now.
The Mets would likely station Bellinger in center field, which is a good thing considering it’s the position he has the most career outs above average at, with +17. Bellinger is also an outstanding defender in right field, with +29 DRS and +9 OAA. This past season, he logged 572.2 innings in left field and had +7 DRS and +4 OAA. Bellinger is also a solid defensive first baseman, with +10 DRS and only -1 OAA at the position, though he hasn’t been a regular at 1B since 2018.
Aside from center field, he could occasionally spell Juan Soto in right field, with Soto seeing more time at designated hitter. That would drastically improve the Mets’ defense, given Soto’s glove in right field was terrible during his first season with the Mets. Bellinger's experience at first base could also come in handy, and give the Mets a defensive boost there as well.