Overview
- Yankees insider Bob Klapisch reports the club will not enter a bidding war and is prepared to let Bellinger walk, keeping a five-year, $160 million proposal with two opt-outs on the table.
- Brendan Kuty of The Athletic notes that despite interest from several teams, the Yankees' offer is the only confirmed formal proposal to date.
- Bellinger and agent Scott Boras are seeking a longer commitment, with reporting indicating a target around seven years at a higher average annual value.
- Will Sammon of The Athletic reports the Mets are interested on a short-term, high-AAV structure—potentially above $30 million per year—mirroring the approach used in their Bo Bichette deal.
- USA Today's Bob Nightengale adds that if the Mets or Blue Jays top New York's offer, they would face a reported 110% luxury-tax penalty, a factor that could constrain rival bids.