Another Brian Cashman/Hal Steinbrenner vs. David Stearns/Steve Cohen battle for a top free agent may be on tap.
After Kyle Tucker spurned the Mets by going to the Dodgers on a four-year, $240 million deal, it could potentially lead to the Yankees and Mets battling for Cody Bellinger.
The Yankees have made it clear that Bellinger is their priority this offseason, while the Mets have shown interest in the talented outfielder/first baseman.
Having lost Pete Alonso to the Orioles and missed out on Tucker, it’s possible the Mets could turn their attention to Bellinger since there are really only two impact bats left in free agency in Bellinger and Bo Bichette.
With rumors linking the Phillies to Bichette and the Mets already having a shortstop and second baseman, it likely leaves Bellinger as their best option.
Bellinger, 30, has yet to sign since he’s in a standoff with the Yankees about contract length.
He and agent Scott Boras are seeking a seven-year pact, while The Post reported that the Yankees have offered $155 million over five years for a $31 million annual average value (AAV).
The Yankees have added two opt-outs to their offer in an attempt to make it more appealing.
That Bellinger hasn’t signed elsewhere is an indication that no other team has swooped in to top the Yankees’ offer and perhaps the Mets could choose to do so now.
The Mets’ four-year, $220 million offer showed they have plenty more to spend this offseason, although they may view Tucker and Bellinger on different levels.
Bellinger would fit the Mets’ roster well since he can play the outfield and first base, which provides value after Brandon Nimmo and Alonso exited this offseason.
With the Mets, Yankees and Blue Jays all in the market for another bat, the reality is that at least one of those teams will miss out on Bellinger and Bicehtte and be left scrambling.
There are quality hitters available in trades, such as the Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan, but that would cost prospect capital instead of strict dollars.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
