Overview
- ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports the Yankees are not budging on contract years or price for Cody Bellinger, keeping negotiations at an impasse unless his asking price drops.
- Agent Scott Boras is using recent slugger contracts for Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber as comparators, a tactic multiple outlets say has slowed talks across the hitter market.
- Analysts including CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson and former GM Jim Duquette predict Bellinger ultimately returns to New York, with some forecasts centering on a six-year deal.
- Passan says Toronto could still land at least one of Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette or Alex Bregman, though he also outlines scenarios in which the Blue Jays come away with none.
- The Dodgers and Mets are mentioned as potential landing spots for Bellinger, and insiders suggest at least one top free agent—possibly Bichette—could pivot to a short-term, opt-out-heavy contract.