Bo Bichette was an unexpected addition to the Mets’ roster, so the team’s original wish list remains even after Bichette’s three-year, $126MM deal with New York earlier this week. According to The Athletic’s Will Sammon, the Mets are still looking for rotation help, as well as “a versatile player who can handle center field and support the corners.”
Looking at the list of available free agent outfielders, the Mets target Cody Bellinger fits well with the needs of the group. Sammon reports that the Mets are still working on Bellinger, but only on the kind of short-term contract (and a roughly mid-year high) that Bichette received. This could be problematic as the deadlock between Bellinger and the Yankees appears to be a matter of contract length, as Bellinger wants a longer contract than the five-year, $155MM deal the Yankees reportedly have on the table.
Bellinger’s first two free agent contracts were a one-year deal with the Cubs worth $17.5MM in guaranteed money, then a three-year, $80MM deal with Chicago that included opt-outs after each of the first two seasons. Bellinger passed on his first option but switched teams anyway last winter when the Cubs traded him to the Yankees, then exited last fall after a 4.9 fWAR season in which he hit .272/.334/.480 with 29 homers over 656 plate appearances for the Bronx Bombers.
It’s no surprise that Bellinger wants to settle down with his next deal, and as he’s coming off of a strong breakout season, former NL MVP and agent Scott Boras have set their sights on a seven-year deal. Whether the Yankees, Mets, or any other team will match that question remains to be seen, but in the case of the Mets, it would conflict with the team’s recent decision to sign players to short-term contracts. Probably the biggest AAV (ie, Bichette’s deal, or the four-year, $220MM deal the Mets are reportedly giving us. Kyle Tucker) would make Bellinger move, though, he can see that the Yankees will offer the same deal again if Bellinger wants to simply return to his former team instead of another position change.
Among other free foreign players, Harrison Bader it is the only option that can be a defensive asset in the central position. On the trade front, Samson suggests the Astros’ Jake Meyersthe Cardinals Lars Nootbaaror the White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. would be possibilities for the Mets, and both Nootbaar and Robert have been linked to New York this winter.
Bellinger could also step into the starting lineup if he’s not on the field. With Francisco Lindor return at shortstop, the Mets’ improved infield will also include Marcus Semien at second base, Bichette at third base for the first time in his professional career, too Jorge Polanco for the first time in his professional career (last one game ended against Seattle last season). The designated hitter spot is open, so any of these veterans could be given an occasional DH day to give some rest and give any of the Mets’ backups some playing time.
Samson writes that the views of New York Brett Baty as a candidate to jump the diamond as a backup at second and third base, left field, and first base if needed. Mark Vientos, Luisangel Acunaagain Ronny Mauricio They also exist as additional depth of field. Any depth options could be worked out, of course, if the Mets look to trade big-ticket free agent signings as a better way to address their needs.
Turning to the front, Samson cites the Nationals MacKenzie Gore and the Royals’ Chris Bubic as two starters that could be “commercial opportunities” for Amazin, “although both are considered long shots” to be discovered. Within a Mets rotation filled with health question marks and inexperienced arms, Bubic or Gore in particular could be a stabilizing force.
Gore has been more good than great in his three seasons with Washington and could have more, while the 2025 season represents the first time Bubic has looked like a premier arm. Bubic posted a 2.55 ERA, 24.4% strikeout rate, 8.2% walk rate and 47.2% groundball rate over 116 1/3 innings with Kansas City last year, before a rotator cuff strain cost him the final two months of the season. Gore is subject to arbitration through the next two seasons, while Bubic is a free agent next winter.
Nats president of baseball Paul Toboni is known to be asking a ton to get Gore back, and it’s possible the Mets could pay some as they are one of the NL East contenders. Bubic’s impending free agency made him the most logical trade figure for the Royals’ starting lineup, but the Mets’ lack of outfielders doesn’t mesh well with KC’s need for outfield help. One of New York’s pitchers may be a good fit for the Royals at second base, but the Royals appear to be offering. Jonathan India gun in the year to go back.
The door isn’t closed if the Mets sign a dominant free agent starter, though one might expect the team to re-option that player to a short-term contract. For jars like Framber Valdez (has been linked to the Mets) or Zac Gallen who declines the qualifying offer, the Mets would need to give up two 2026 draft picks and another $1MM in international draft pool money to sign either player. New York has already given up that money to sign another eligible free agent in Bichette, and Sammon says the Mets won’t be too hard-pressed to waive multiple QO-related penalties again on Valdez or Gallen, if the money is right.
