The dream Mets starting lineup for the 2024 season

Batting sixth for the dream Mets center fielder Cody Bellinger

It was unavoidable to escape having back-to-back lefties in this lineup. If the Mets want to take a chance on upgrading their outfield, nobody is more available and capable of doing so than Cody Bellinger. While Soto is a more sure thing to help improve a corner outfield spot, it’s Bellinger who can improve the defense in center field.

Questions about how fluky his 2023 resurgence may indeed be will have some fans balking at the idea of signing him. Buried a little down in the dream Mets lineup, he’s just as good as he was for the Chicago Cubs—possibly even better.

Nobody should expect Bellinger to return to the MVP conversation on a regular basis. He has shown he is in a different class of hitter as a player such as his dream Mets teammate, Soto.

Bellinger improves the defense in center field and adds yet another left-handed power hitter. He’s a realistic fit for the Mets this offseason under a couple of conditions. David Stearns and Company needs to believe he really is trending back to his glory days. The Mets will also need to believe Nimmo’s defense is indeed on the decline.

Needless to say, the Mets aren’t going to have Soto, Ohtani, and Bellinger on the real roster next year. Batting seventh is a guy who will be here.