Yankees Take Lead in Cody Bellinger Race After Mets Make Big Move
The battle for Cody Bellinger appears to be tilting in favor of the New York Yankees. The Mets, who had been aggressively pursuing Bellinger after missing out on Kyle Tucker, have suddenly pivoted, finalizing a trade with the Chicago White Sox to acquire center fielder Luis Robert Jr. This move signals a major shift in the New York baseball landscape, leaving the Yankees in a much stronger position to bring back their star outfielder.
Bellinger, a former MVP with proven power and consistency, is no stranger to Yankee Stadium. In his first season with New York after being traded from the Cubs, he played 152 games, hitting 29 home runs and driving in 98 runs, while maintaining a solid slash line of .272/.334/.480. His presence alongside Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton creates a formidable middle-of-the-order threat. Losing him would have been a severe setback for a team aiming for a deep playoff run in 2026.
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The Mets’ decision to move on with Luis Robert Jr. changes the dynamic entirely. Robert, a younger outfielder with high potential, came in exchange for two promising players from New York: infielder Luisangel Acuna and right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley. While the Mets’ acquisition is significant, it removes them from the direct competition for Bellinger, giving the Yankees a clearer path to secure him.
Other teams remain in the conversation, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs and potentially the San Francisco Giants. However, the level of urgency and fit for Bellinger makes the Yankees the logical frontrunner. His familiarity with the lineup and the city adds an edge that other teams simply cannot match.
This development matters not just for the Yankees’ roster, but for the broader balance of power in Major League Baseball. Securing Bellinger solidifies their offensive core and sends a message to the league that New York is committed to contending. It also underscores how quickly plans can change in the offseason, with one trade having ripple effects across multiple teams’ strategies.
Expect updates on Bellinger’s decision to come quickly, as the Yankees are now in a position to negotiate from a place of strength. For fans and analysts alike, this is a critical moment in the 2026 MLB offseason. Stay tuned and keep watching as this story develops, because Cody Bellinger’s next move could reshape the landscape of New York baseball.
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