New York Mets on High Alert for Gold Glove Centerfielder - Cody Bellinger or Harrison Bader?
The New York Mets are scrambling to bolster their outfield, particularly in the center field position. While a reunion with former Met Harrison Bader is looking increasingly likely, the team may need to make a move without their top target, Cody Bellinger. A free agent with a proven track record of clutch hitting and solid defense, Bellinger has reportedly become unaffordable for the Mets.
Bader's Career Year Sparks Interest
However, there's another outfielder who could provide an answer - Bader himself. The 31-year-old had a career year last season, belting out 17 home runs while sporting a .796 on-base plus slugging (OPS) mark. Despite struggling with the Mets in 2024, his impressive performance has generated significant interest among fans and pundits alike.
A Possible Fit for the Mets
While Bader's stint with the Minnesota Twins was cut short, he ultimately made his way to the Philadelphia Phillies. However, after a productive season, he opted out of a mutual option to explore better deals in free agency. The Phillies, meanwhile, have indicated that they're unlikely to re-sign him due to concerns about their outfield depth.
A potential partnership between Bader and the Mets could prove to be a valuable one. His impressive hitting numbers and strong defensive skills would help shore up an area of need for the team, particularly after Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, and Jeff McNeil are set to join other clubs next season.
What's in Store?
With the offseason heating up, it remains to be seen how things will play out for Bader and the Mets. While Bellinger is still on their radar, the possibility of signing with a cheaper alternative like Harrison Bader can't be ruled out.
The New York Mets are scrambling to bolster their outfield, particularly in the center field position. While a reunion with former Met Harrison Bader is looking increasingly likely, the team may need to make a move without their top target, Cody Bellinger. A free agent with a proven track record of clutch hitting and solid defense, Bellinger has reportedly become unaffordable for the Mets.
Bader's Career Year Sparks Interest
However, there's another outfielder who could provide an answer - Bader himself. The 31-year-old had a career year last season, belting out 17 home runs while sporting a .796 on-base plus slugging (OPS) mark. Despite struggling with the Mets in 2024, his impressive performance has generated significant interest among fans and pundits alike.
A Possible Fit for the Mets
While Bader's stint with the Minnesota Twins was cut short, he ultimately made his way to the Philadelphia Phillies. However, after a productive season, he opted out of a mutual option to explore better deals in free agency. The Phillies, meanwhile, have indicated that they're unlikely to re-sign him due to concerns about their outfield depth.
A potential partnership between Bader and the Mets could prove to be a valuable one. His impressive hitting numbers and strong defensive skills would help shore up an area of need for the team, particularly after Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, and Jeff McNeil are set to join other clubs next season.
What's in Store?
With the offseason heating up, it remains to be seen how things will play out for Bader and the Mets. While Bellinger is still on their radar, the possibility of signing with a cheaper alternative like Harrison Bader can't be ruled out.
and I'm still trying to process the beauty of those waterfalls. Have you ever been to Oahu? I swear, the surf was so gnarly at Pipeline that day! 
Anyways, back to baseball... I mean, who wouldn't want Cody Bellinger in a Mets uniform again? He's like a superhero out there 
. But seriously, Harrison Bader seems like an awesome alternative... does anyone know if he's into hiking? I'm thinking of starting a new outdoor blog...
plus, if he were to pair up with Nimmo, Alonso, and McNeil, it'd be an outfield dream team, bro! 
The Mets need that center fielder ASAP! 
With Bellinger's price tag becoming too high, it's not surprising they're exploring other options. Bader's career year was insane, and if he can bring that same level of performance to the Mets, that's a win-win for everyone involved. Plus, his defense is solid, which is a huge bonus for a team looking to shore up their outfield. The question is, will it be worth signing him to a decent deal? 
. He's proven himself to be that clutch hitter and defensive player that you need in a lineup. And let's be real, 17 home runs is no joke 
. I mean, he's had an incredible career and is still only 29 years old... what more do you want from him? 
You'd think that with his experience and track record of clutch performances, he'd be worth every penny (or at least a lot more than the Mets are willing to pay). But I guess that's just how the market works sometimes 
. The guy had an absolute breakout season last year and his numbers were insane 
. If they're not going to re-sign Bader due to concerns about their own depth... then maybe that means Bader is actually in a position to make some real money now? And if he does, then it's even more reason for the Mets to try and sign him instead of Bellinger 
and if they can get him to stay healthy, he could be a great fit for the team 
. But on the other hand, I think Harrison Bader is a great alternative too... he's had some amazing years in his career and it's not like he's lost his touch 
. Plus, if Bellinger becomes unaffordable, the Mets have to be smart about their spending limits 
... but I'm still holding onto hope that they can somehow make it work with Bellinger 
But what if he can't handle the pressure of playing in the Big Apple? 
He's got great skills on both offense and defense, which would be a big help for the team. Plus, it'd be cool to see him back in Queens 
. Fingers crossed he becomes a Met! 
. Plus, he's got some experience playing in the big leagues already, which is a plus 
. I'm not sure what to make of Bellinger right now though...he was really good when he played for them before, but has become super pricey 
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. He can anchor that outfield for years to come and we wouldn't have to worry about paying top dollar for it 
. Plus, his defense is solid, which is huge for the Mets' pitching staff 
! The idea of Bader joining the Mets sounds like a solid move to me 
. Bellinger's clutch hitting is top-notch, but he seems to be getting pretty pricey 
. His numbers are impressive, and he'd definitely bring some much-needed stability to that center field position. Plus, since he opted out of his contract with the Phillies, he might be more open to negotiating a deal with the Mets.
didnt exactly cover himself in glory when he came back to nyc 
. Plus, he'd fit in well with Alonso and McNeil, those three would make an awesome outfield trio 
. And let's be real, Bellinger is kinda pricey... I mean, who needs that kind of cash when you've got a talented young player like Bader on the market?