5 NY Mets roster questions Cody Bellinger immediately solves

The quick rise and sudden fall for Cody Bellinger may have a few teams hesitant to go the distance to sign the star outfielder this offseason. When it comes to the New York Mets, the hesitation is likely because of the contract demands. Both years and dollar amount will exceed the perceived mission. Bellinger isn’t someone who should settle on a short-term deal. This is his offseason to cash in.

What makes him especially appealing is how he can resolve five major Mets roster questions with a single blow.

The answer to all five of these ongoing questions is Cody Bellinger

1) Who’s in left field on Opening Day?

Bellinger is the best left fielder out there with Kyle Tucker being more of a right field solution. Nothing has indicated the team will flip Juan Soto from right field into left field, making Bellinger the more preferred target. Add in that he doesn’t come with any qualifying offer penalty and there’s little doubt the Mets will be one of the teams going after Bellinger down to the wire.

2) What’s the center field backup plan?

Although he can play center field, he’s not going to start there. Bellinger is a far better defensive player in left field. However, in case of an emergency, he can hold his own in center field for the Mets. Injury, poor performance, or whatever it is that may come their way, the Mets can get by with Bellinger in center field far better than last year’s emergency break of putting Jeff McNeil out there.

3) What’s the first base backup plan?

In addition to starting in left field and covering in center field for an absence, Bellinger can be a backup plan at first base. Jorge Polanco seems to be the guy they’re planning to get the majority of starts at the position, at least until another opportunity presents itself. In a world where Jett Williams and Carson Benge are both in the big leagues and Polanco stinks as a defender, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to move Bellinger over to first base for a good chunk of time.

4) Who’s going to do the most damage against left-handed pitchers?

Have you realized how good Bellinger was against left-handed pitchers in 2025? He slashed .353/.415/.601 against southpaws. He has been slightly better against lefties in his entire career with a significant shift in reverse splits last year. The Mets had a weakness against lefty pitchers in 2025. Even if it creates a heavy left-handed lineup, Bellinger profiles more like a right-handed hitter.

5) Where is the Pete Alonso production replacement coming from?

The Mets haven’t come close to replacing Pete Alonso offensively and not even Bellinger will fully match. However, if his 29 home runs and 98 RBI from last season are the norm and he can provide reliable defense, we’ll take a few less home runs and RBI.