Overview
- Cody Bellinger opted out to become a free agent, and multiple reports say the Yankees have made his return their top priority.
- Market estimates for Bellinger vary, with forecasts including six years at $182 million (Spotrac) and six years at $168 million (Jim Bowden), and he is not eligible for a qualifying offer.
- The Yankees are expected to explore the market for star outfielder Kyle Tucker, though internal reporting notes some staff prefer Bellinger’s positional flexibility; outside opinion pieces suggest New York could pay big if it targets Tucker.
- MLB.com lists several Yankees headed to free agency and says the club must add at least one full-time outfielder, with key dates ahead for qualifying offers, option decisions and non‑tenders.
- New York is also monitoring international slugger Munetaka Murakami, who is expected to be posted, with one projection pegging him at 10 years and $220 million, a move that could intersect with first-base plans for Ben Rice.