Overview
- New York remains engaged with Scott Boras on a Bellinger reunion and is resisting terms it views as excessive, with multiple reports reaffirming the outfielder as the club’s top priority.
- The Yankees have checked in on free agent Austin Hays as a fallback, a move viewed as more likely if Bellinger departs, while the Mets and Royals are among other teams monitoring Hays.
- Reporting indicates the Yankees are confident Bellinger will not choose the Mets, as Aaron Judge publicly urges the front office to bring his 2025 teammate back.
- Low-cost depth is under review, including DFA’d Justyn-Henry Malloy as a potential platoon option, while prospect Dillon Lewis has drawn notice as a longer-term outfield piece.
- Beyond the outfield, the club is targeting rotation help and bullpen upgrades after a thin 2025 relief corps and with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón not expected to open the season on time.