3 former Mets free agent targets we can revisit at the trade deadline

2) NY Mets free agent target to revisit at the trade deadline: Cody Bellinger

Cody Bellinger was one of the players fans considered a viable option to replace Brandon Nimmo if he left in center field. They would have been buying low on the former MVP who was non-tendered by the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason.

Bellinger ended up signing with the Chicago Cubs where he’ll look to rebuild his free agent stock. There is little doubt Bellinger has talent. It’s a matter of re-tapping into it before anyone shows significant interest in him.

For the Mets, Bellinger could be anything from a replacement for an injured starter to a depth piece. As a left-handed hitter, he probably wouldn’t make sense for the DH spot with Daniel Vogelbach around. However, if Vogey stinks up the joint, perhaps the Mets think about moving Mark Canha or Starling Marte to DH duties a little more often and bring in Bellinger to bolster the defense. As poorly as he has hit in recent years, Bellinger remains a good defensive player.

There is a mutual option for 2024 on Bellinger’s contract. The Cubs would have reason to keep him around if he performs well, regardless of how the team is doing. He won’t turn 28 until July. He is on the ultimate “prove it” kind of contract with every chance to play regularly in Chicago this season.

The best chance of Bellinger landing with the Mets in a trade might be if they feel they have no other options out there. If Bellinger is his old self, expect the Cubs to want a ransom for him. If he’s a poor hitter but mashing righties, maybe the Mets see him as a potential platoon partner or Vogelbach upgrade. At least he can play the field.

3) NY Mets free agent target to revisit at the trade deadline: Josh Bell

Josh Bell is no stranger to Mets rumors. He was one of their targets last summer before getting shipped from the Washington Nationals to the San Diego Padres along with Juan Soto. Now a member of the Cleveland Guardians, he has the benefit of playing for the best team on this list. The Pirates and Cubs don’t have as good of a chance at making it to the postseason as Bell will in Cleveland.

It’s no sure bet the Guardians can repeat as AL Central Champions. With the Chicago White Sox looking to rebound and the Minnesota Twins out there making moves, the Guardians could be sellers instead of buyers. Under those circumstances, we can already see how he’d fit on the Mets.

If you’re like me, you get nervous in social situations, prefer waking up early to staying up late, and think the Mets didn’t do the best they could with the DH spot. Bell would be a great fit in that role. The switch-hitting first baseman could give Pete Alonso a few games off from playing defense, too.

Bell is an everyday player and someone for the Mets to keep a careful eye on. His two-year deal with Cleveland includes an opt out after this season. Things going south in Cleveland should mean shopping him. The Mets might be the ones buying.