Rumor Roundup: Mets Remain in on Bellinger, Showing Interest in Canning

The Mets are still in on Cody Bellinger, sources told Pat Ragazzo of Mets on SI on Friday. Bellinger, the best position player left in free agency, would be a good fit since New York needs an outfielder.

Bellinger hit .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs and 13 stolen bases with the Yankees last year. He took advantage of Yankee Stadium’s right-field porch, hitting 18 of his 29 homers at home. His OPS was .909 at home vs. .715 on the road.

The Yankees want to re-sign the 30-year-old former MVP, but reportedly don’t want to go beyond five years on a contract while Bellinger is seeking seven. It is unclear if the Mets would be willing to go to seven years or if they would try to go with a high average annual value deal like they did in signing Bo Bichette.

Baty in the Outfield?

After the Mets signed Bichette, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Mets see Brett Baty playing multiple positions, including left field. Baty was set to start at third before the Bichette signing, but will now have to find playing time where he can get it. He could play first, he played second base last year and there is also the designated hitter role.

Carlos Mendoza, as the roster stands how, will have to juggle Baty with Mark Vientos and Jorge Polanco. If Baty can play left field, that would help clear the logjam. He played one inning in left in 2023.

Mets Interested in Canning

Griffin Canning was a pleasant surprise for the Mets last season before rupturing his Achilles tendon in a June start against the Braves. Coming off a poor season with the Angels where he led the American League in earned runs allowed (99) while pitching to a 5.19 ERA, Canning went 7-3 with a 3.77 ERA over 16 starts and 76 1/3 innings pitched.

Heyman reported that Canning should be ready to pitch “around Opening Day” and that the Mets, Cardinals and White Sox are interested in the free agent. He also said the White Sox are in on ex-Met Michael Conforto.

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