This offseason is going to have some of the biggest names in MLB, and it is going to get interesting between teams. One of the biggest names that is gaining a lot of interest is Cody Bellinger. He has been linked to the Phillies, and some even say that he might resign with the Yankees. But the one interested team is the New York Mets. But after the latest news, the interest seems to have taken a back seat.

The Mets, who were heavily interested in Cody Bellinger, shifted their focus to one of their prospects. SleeperMets reported saying, “Mets officials may shy away from acquiring a center fielder on a long-term deal knowing Benge could be ready by midseason, per @AnthonyDiComo.” But if true, is this the right decision by David Stearns and the Mets front office?

Carson Benge has quietly become the Mets’ most promising homegrown hope after a breakout 2025 season. The 22-year-old outfielder hit .317 with eight home runs and a .978 OPS in Double-A Binghamton, earning a late-season promotion to Triple-A Syracuse. Mets vice president of player development Andy Green praised how Benge “really found his stride,” signaling he could soon fill the team’s long-standing center-field void.

While Benge represents the future, Cody Bellinger could fix the Mets’ present if he hits free agency. MLB insider Jon Heyman confirmed the Mets’ interest, calling Bellinger “a fit” given vacancies at first base and center field. Coming off a .272 average, 29 homers, and 98 RBIs with the New York Yankees, Bellinger’s experience and power make him an ideal complement to Juan Soto’s left-handed bat.

Still, fans remember how the Mets’ 2025 collapse exposed deeper issues that signings alone can’t fix. The team went 28-37 after the All-Star break, lost Pete Alonso’s leadership, and never found offensive consistency. Throwing a rookie like Benge straight into that chaos might overwhelm him, and even a proven hitter like Bellinger can’t guarantee stability if development and chemistry lag again.

The Mets can dream about tomorrow, but someone still needs to fix today’s scoreboard first. Carson Benge might be the future, but Cody Bellinger was built for now. If David Stearns bets on patience over proven power, Mets fans better brace for déjà vu.

The Mets are showing interest in another  big player

The Mets, still smarting from a postseason that went sideways despite Juan Soto’s debut, seem unwilling to let their pitching woes linger. While fans debate whether another offseason miracle is coming or just another cash splash, whispers around the league suggest Detroit ace Tarik Skubal might be entering the conversation. In Queens, patience is a virtue often short-lived, and the Mets aren’t exactly famous for waiting.

Detroit ace Tarik Skubal enters his final year under team control after a reported sub-$100 million offer last offseason. His dominance is undeniable, boasting a 2.30 ERA, 31.2% strikeout rate, and 4.5% walk rate over 387 2/3 innings. Tigers president Scott Harris gave a non-committal answer on Skubal’s future, leaving trade rumors swirling around the league.

The New York Mets, desperate after a 5.09 ERA post-July and rotation injuries, see Skubal as a solution. Speculative reports suggest that teams could discuss a trade involving Jonah Tong, Brandon Sproat, and Jett Williams. Challenges remain with Boras representing Skubal, and Queens fans hold their breath, knowing competition and costs could derail the deal.

If the Mets pursue Skubal, Queens could finally feel rotation stability, at least briefly. Boras’ involvement ensures that even a successful trade might not guarantee long-term pitching security. Fans will watch closely, hoping another big gamble turns into triumph rather than another expensive misfire.