Overview
- Jeff Passan reports the Phillies are among the teams pursuing free agent Cody Bellinger, expanding a market that already included several big spenders.
- Sporting News notes the Yankees look vulnerable in the chase as the Winter Meetings open, creating a near-term window for Philadelphia to act.
- CBS Sports reports Philadelphia’s level of interest is tied to whether Schwarber returns, with a pivot to Bellinger viewed as the likely contingency.
- Insider Michael Kay has said the Yankees are targeting a payroll below $300 million by 2026, a posture that could limit their ability to match top offers.
- Bellinger is coming off a 2025 rebound with 29 home runs and an .813 OPS, offers defensive versatility across the outfield and first base, and carries no qualifying-offer cost.