Juan Soto might share the Mets’ outfield in 2026 with a few former Yankees stars. The Mets are expected to spend big every offseason, including the one coming up right after the 2025 World Series. Interestingly, the Mets may be looking to poach a few Yankees stars once the offseason begins. The potential reunion in question could see Juan Soto teaming up with some Yankees players already on the Mets’ radar.

MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand recently noted that the Mets are among the top three landing spots for both Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham.

Both Bellinger and Grisham make sense for the Mets, considering they can each handle center field. That happens to be the Mets’ biggest need right now. For now, it’s unlikely that both would sign, with Soto locked in at right and Brandon Nimmo covering left.

Defensively, Cody Bellinger offers more value than Trent Grisham. In 2025, Bellinger posted strong defensive metrics with about +15 Defensive Runs Saved while showing impressive versatility across multiple positions. Grisham, on the other hand, recorded negative defensive and baserunning values, marking a decline from his earlier seasons. That gives Bellinger a clear edge as a two-way contributor who can make an impact both in the field and on the bases.

With Pete Alonso expected to enter free agency, the Mets have several options. They could move Juan Soto to first base to open an outfield spot or sign Bellinger to play first, a position he’s handled effectively in the past.

Beyond Bellinger and Grisham, the Mets could also look at Harrison Bader — another former Yankee who has played for both New York teams. Bader’s defensive skills and experience make him a logical fit as a reliable fourth outfielder.

There’s a real chance the Mets could roll out an outfield featuring these three former Yankees next season. In fact, Bellinger, in particular, is coming off an impressive season with the Yankees.

Having played in 152 regular-season games, he has hit .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs and 98 runs batted in. So, it’s likely that plenty of clubs around the league would be looking to add him to their roster, but it might only be feasible for a few.

That would no doubt upset Yankees fans just like it did during Soto’s $765 million signing with the cross-town rivals. Speaking of them, it’s very likely the Yankees could get a big-time Juan Soto déjà vu.

Mets’ Juan Soto déjà vu threatens New York Yankees

The New York Yankees are obviously once again in the middle of MLB trade buzz. After their experience with Juan Soto, who came via trade and later hit free agency, a similar situation is emerging with the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal.

The Detroit Tigers ace would be a major boost to the Yankees’ rotation in 2026. However, his deal expires at the end of that season, making any move for him a risky investment without a contract extension.

The left-hander is coming off a dominant season. He posted a 2.21 ERA and over 240 strikeouts, firmly establishing himself as one of the league’s top arms. For the Yankees, adding him would create a powerhouse rotation alongside Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Max Fried.

However, according to insiders, the Tigers and Skubal are over $250 million apart in contract talks. That makes a trade before the 2026 season increasingly likely.

The situation feels a lot like the Juan Soto case during the last off-season. If the Yankees bring in Skubal without locking him into an extension, they could face the same problem. They could lose him after giving up valuable young talent.

The potential cost is steep, with prospects like Spencer Jones and Jasson Dominguez, along with pitchers Luis Gil and Will Warren, reportedly in play. All of them happen to be the Yankees’ crucial pieces for the future.