Overview
- New York reintroduced Cody Bellinger on a five-year, $162.5 million deal as Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone argued the returning group, plus last summer’s additions, can contend.
- The Yankees acquired 23-year-old RHP Angel Chivilli from the Rockies for T.J. Rumfield and designated outfielder Michael Siani for assignment to clear a 40-man spot.
- Empire Sports Media projects a $324.8 million competitive-balance-tax payroll in the top surcharge tier, with an estimated $64.3 million tax bill that makes further spending costly.
- Rotation coverage remains a priority with Carlos Rodón targeting a return around early May and Gerrit Cole expected later in the first half, increasing reliance on internal innings and the Ryan Weathers pickup.
- Reporting indicates exploratory pitching avenues continue — including checking in on free agent Nick Martinez — while trade ideas for aces like Tarik Skubal and Joe Ryan are characterized as speculative, with one report saying Detroit told New York it lacks the chips for Skubal.