Where do the Blue Jays go from here? If they were around Kyle Tucker, might they turn their attention to Bellinger, even if he’s destined to be a Yankee?
The Yankees and Blue Jays are listed as the two teams that will be most aggressive toward Bellinger, although the Mets cannot be ruled out as a possible destination for the outfielder. The Yankees would like to bring Bellinger back after a successful first year in the Bronx, but they are set for a five-year contract and Bellinger reportedly wants seven years. The Mets continue to look for outside help after trading Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, and as we’ve seen in the past, Steve Cohen will spend money where he believes it’s worth it.
As for the Blue Jays, Toronto would love to add an outfielder — hence their strong interest in Kyle Tucker before he signed with the Dodgers — as the Blue Jays have struggled to develop outfielders in recent years. Daulton Varsho is set to become a free agent at the end of next season, as is George Springer, whose best days as an everyday outfielder are behind him. That leaves Davis Schneider, Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw and Joey Loperfido as the only outfielders under control this season, making them ineligible for the Bellinger sweepstakes.
The Phillies were reportedly close to a deal with Bichette, then responded by re-signing JT Realmuto shortly after the news broke that Bichette had resigned. Is this for them, or is there another big up their sleeve?
Philadelphia’s entry into the Bichette sweepstakes was a bit of a surprise, as Kyle Schwarber’s five-year, $150 million contract is believed to be the only nine-figure contract they’ve offered this winter. With Realmuto back in the bullpen, the Phillies are likely done with heavy lifting for the offseason, though they could make some small moves to adjust the roster. If anything, Bichette’s decision to go to the Mets should end much of the trade speculation involving Alec Bohm, who should enter his final season before free agency as the Phillies’ starting third baseman.
What does this mean for Framber Valdez, a presumed Mets target? What does his market look like now?
As I mentioned above, Bichette’s deal does not end the Mets’ offseason spending. Like their outfield, the first rotation is still a need for New York, with Valdez and Zac Gallen representing the two best arms left on the free agent market. The Orioles continue to be a potential destination for Valdez, as both Mets president of baseball David Stearns and Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias have ties to the lefty since their days in Houston. Valdez has been a proven talent, but at 32 years old, teams may be reluctant to give him the long-term deal he wants.
Is this a “big move” for the Mets, or are they still in for Valdez or Bellinger? Or could their next big move be a trade?
Bichette has been the Mets’ go-to pivot after missing Tucker, but the idea that he’s done may be premature. They lost Pete Alonso in free agency and traded both Nimmo and McNeil, leaving the roster arguably weaker than last year even with the additions of Bichette, Marcus Semien and Jorge Polanco. The need in the rotation is also prominent, so even if they don’t “make a big move” in the outfield or in the rotation, there will certainly be other moves coming.
