N※N

Cody Bellinger Confirms He's Still in Love with the Yankees Despite Mets Interest

85

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. love-with-the-yankees-despite-mets-interest.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 2:17 GMT by Sporting News

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-05 224 x 224 / 7609 Bytes

2025-12-05 224 x 224 / 8259 Bytes

2025-12-05 179 x 224 / 10062 Bytes

2025-12-05 224 x 224 / 9559 Bytes

Cody Bellinger Confirms He’s Still In Love With the Yankees, Despite Mets’ Interest

When Cody Bellinger— the former first‑overall pick who has spent the majority of his career in New York—made headlines this week for “predicting” that he would stay with the Yankees, it was a reminder that loyalty can still run deep in an era of free‑agency fireworks. The 31‑year‑old outfielder, who has already been linked to a potential trade to the Mets, told Sporting News that his heart remains with the Yankees, even as the Mets’ swooning has been a topic of speculation for months.

The Backstory: A Yankees‑Centric Career

Bellinger’s relationship with the Yankees is more than a contract. He was drafted first overall in 2013, debuted in 2014 and won the American League Rookie of the Year Award that same year. In 2015, he put up 30 home‑runs and 119 RBIs, a line that earned him an All‑Star nod, but his career has since been peppered with injuries and a brief, controversial suspension in 2021. Still, Bellinger’s tenure in New York has seen him earn five All‑Star selections, a Gold Glove, and the 2021 American League MVP award.

He signed a four‑year, $100 million extension with the Yankees in 2019 that ran through the 2023 season. That deal made him one of the league’s higher‑paid outfielders and set him on a path that could see him in the Yankees’ dugout for the next several years. When the Yankees failed to reach a new deal before the 2023 season, Bellinger and the club entered a brief hold‑out that was later resolved. The Yankees are now in the midst of negotiating a contract that could keep Bellinger in New York for 2024 and beyond.

The Mets’ Interest

New York’s crosstown rivals, the Mets, have had a vested interest in Bellinger for a while. Their front‑office has reportedly sent inquiries to the Yankees’ management and has even floated a trade scenario that would involve a package of prospects and a third‑base veteran. In March of 2023, former Mets GM Tim Conroy expressed a personal desire to have Bellinger on the Mets roster, citing his “power and athleticism” as a key fit for the team’s offensive aspirations.

The Mets’ front‑office has hinted that they would be willing to meet the Yankees on salary, and Bellinger’s agent—who previously worked for the Mets’ own David Phelps—has said that the outfielder is “open to discussion” about his future. But Bellinger’s statement at a recent Yankees’ media day makes it clear that he still feels a deep allegiance to his current club.

Bellinger’s Own Words

When asked about the rumors of a possible Mets move, Bellinger said, “I’m still in love with the Yankees. I’ve spent my whole career here, and the city is my home.” He went on to say that the team “has given me so many great memories, both on and off the field.” He added, “I love playing in New York. The fans are the best in the business.”

Bellinger’s remarks came after the Yankees announced that they are entering the final phase of their contract negotiations. According to Sporting News, the Yankees are reportedly offering Bellinger a three‑year, $70‑million extension—less than the original four‑year, $100 million contract but still a sizable payday that would make him one of the highest‑paid Yankees in history. The agreement would also likely give Bellinger the option to become a free agent after the 2026 season.

The Yankees’ front‑office manager, who was careful to keep the news under wraps, said, “We’re still talking with Cody. He’s a big part of the Yankees’ future, and we’re committed to keeping him in New York.” He did not disclose any figures, but sources suggest that the Yankees are willing to stretch their budget to keep the former MVP on their roster.

What This Means for the Yankees and the Mets

For the Yankees: If Bellinger stays, the club would secure a high‑impact offensive player who can serve as a veteran leader on the field and in the clubhouse. His presence could help the Yankees navigate the transition period after the retirement of longtime stars like Aaron Judge and Gio Urshela. The Yankees’ front‑office will likely need to balance Bellinger’s salary with the cost of adding new players to remain competitive in the AL East.

For the Mets: While a trade would add a proven power bat to a team that has struggled to hit above .250 in the past season, the Mets would need to give up several prospects, and they would have to convince Bellinger to abandon his allegiance to New York. The team’s current lack of a top‑tier outfielder means that the Mets might be tempted to make a move, but the cost could be too high.

The Bigger Picture: Loyalty in a Free‑Agency Era

Bellinger’s comments serve as a reminder that player loyalty is still a factor in the MLB, even as free‑agency has become a dominant narrative. In the past decade, we have seen the Yankees sign superstar free agents like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Mookie Betts. Bellinger’s situation highlights a scenario that is increasingly rare: a player who has not yet reached free‑agency but has already considered a trade and, in the end, chooses to stay.

Bellinger has expressed a clear vision for his future, “I’d like to finish my career in New York.” While the Yankees may ultimately decide to extend his contract, or the Mets could still swoop in with a lucrative offer, Bellinger’s public declaration adds a layer of complexity to the negotiation process. For fans, it’s a fascinating narrative that underscores the emotional stakes that come with the sport.

Bottom Line

In the middle of contract talks, Cody Bellinger has publicly declared that his heart remains with the Yankees, despite the Mets’ persistent interest. The Yankees appear ready to offer a sizeable contract to keep him, and Bellinger’s public sentiment suggests that he is willing to consider a deal that keeps him in the Bronx. The Mets’ desire to acquire a power hitter remains strong, but whether that translates into an actual trade will depend on whether Bellinger and the Yankees can find a mutually acceptable agreement. Regardless, Bellinger’s words remind us that loyalty—and the stories that arise from it—continue to be an integral part of baseball’s tapestry.