No one is talking about Cody Bellinger

[Benjamin Grimm]

Well, a lot of people seem to be talking about Cody Bellinger, but he doesn't have a thread yet in this forum.

There's a lot of speculation that the Mets and Yankees are the most interested parties. A decision may come soon.

[Edgy MD]

A lot more things start to make sense with a centerfielder on board.

[Cowtipper]

Bellinger would be a good fit. If we can find some way to bump Tyrone Taylor off the projected Opening Day lineup -- and Bellinger would be a great way to do it -- then the Mets truly would have a stacked lineup. Everyone in it would be All-Stars or have All-Star potential.

[Fman99]

Ultimately he has to decide between the longer deal with the MFYs or the shorter, higher potential one with the Mets. But, you know, any day now, there, guy.

[Frayed Knot]

Last I read, he was at an impasse with the Yanx as he was asking for seven years and the Yanx unwilling to go more than five.

[Benjamin Grimm]

There were some reports that indicated that the Yankees are fed up and done with him, but I'm definitely skeptical about that.

[MFS62]

Offer him six with an opt out after five and see what happens.

Later

[Benjamin Grimm]

Players mostly seem to want the opt-out to come sooner instead of later. I think the recent Soto contract is more the exception (in many ways) than the rule.

[Centerfield]

Heyman said Bellinger is down to the Mets, Yankees and two other teams. Which means it’s basically the Mets and Yankees. If the Dodgers were even remotely interested Heyman is not going to miss the opportunity to exaggerate the leverage.

Because it’s public like this, I’m assuming that this is Boras just trying to get every last drop from Hal. I’d be shocked if he didn’t return to the Yankees.

[The Hot Corner]

I strongly suspect that the trade for Luis Robert, has pretty much removed the Mets from the Bellinger "sweepstakes". Bellinger (and Boras) have lost some leverage in their pursuit of a deal. The Yankees position likely got much stronger overnight.

The Mets need to turn their attention to strengthening the rotation.

[Benjamin Grimm]

I agree with both paragraphs above. I think Bellinger isn't going to happen. I would have preferred him to Robert, but Robert is a shorter-term commitment, so there's that.

And yes! Pitching! Let's go all in on Framber Valdez. If they can fill out their roster by signing Valdez, Bichette, and trading Acuna for Robert, then they really haven't put a dent in their list of prospects. I'll be very pleased if the Mets still have Tong and Sproat in the organization on April 1, especially since they've been named in virtually every rumor.

[metirish]

Cody Bellinger's deal with the Yankees is for five years and $162.5 million, sources tell ESPN. There are opt-outs after the second and third season, a $20M signing bonus and a full no-trade clause.

Passan

[Benjamin Grimm]

It looks like opt-outs are here to stay, doesn't it? This isn't really a five-year contract; it's more like a two-year contract.

[Centerfield]

How much more does he think he will get as a 33 year old? Let's say he puts up two more seasons with an .817 OPS. Who is going to give him more than he has left on his deal?

[MFS62]

How much more does he think he will get as a 33 year old? Let's say he puts up two more seasons with an .817 OPS. Who is going to give him more than he has left on his deal?

 

Logic seems to be out the window with the strike looming next year.

Anything goes.

Later

[Edgy MD]

Well, I have not seen the annual distribution of his salaries, but that fat $20 million bonus up front suggests some frontloading.

[Gwreck]

Logic seems to be out the window with the strike looming next year.

 

Lockout, not strike. Players aren’t going to be the ones forcing a labor stoppage.