Overview
- The Yankees remain in on free agent Cody Bellinger after he opted out, with multiple reports positioning New York as a leading suitor alongside the Dodgers, Mets and Blue Jays, bolstered by his strong production at Yankee Stadium.
- YES Network’s Michael Kay urged the club to cap any Bellinger bid near $30 million per year and pivot to exploring a Fernando Tatis Jr. trade, a scenario that would depend on San Diego’s stance and the star’s contract and no‑trade provisions.
- Analysts tout Kyle Tucker as a premium alternative now that center field is covered by Grisham, though pursuing Tucker could reshape New York’s payroll choices and limit resources for pitching.
- Grisham’s acceptance further thinned an already weak center‑field market, leaving Bellinger as the top option and forcing other clubs such as the Mets, Phillies, Tigers and Astros to consider trades or internal fixes.
- The Angels’ swap of Taylor Ward for Grayson Rodriguez reflects a push for controllable pitching, with the team saying the right‑hander is expected to be ready for Spring Training despite recent elbow and lat issues.