In the wake of Kyle Tucker signing with the Dodgers, the New York Yankees are willing to upgrade their offer to free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger, as his market may see the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays become seriously interested.
The Yankees are focused on keeping Bellinger, who had a stellar season in the Bronx, though talks have stalled over the past week, leaving both parties at a standstill.
However, one of the biggest free-agent dominoes has now fallen, with Kyle Tucker landing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Both the Mets and Blue Jays, who each need an upgrade at outfield, were among the finalists for Tucker, but the Dodgers’ four-year, $240 million offer was too good for the free agent to pass up.
The Mets and Toronto expressed confidence in landing Tucker, only to be left high and dry, still needing an outfielder.
More news: Dodgers Dealt Harsh Punishment For Kyle Tucker, Edwin Diaz Signings
According to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, a highly-connected insider who specializes in the two big East Coast teams, the Yankees have looked to make progress in negotations with Bellinger as the Jays and Mets loom.
“The Yankees are signaling a wiliness to do not just one opt-out, but two opt-outs for Cody Bellinger in continuing efforts to bridge the long-standing issue of length of contract,” Heyman wrote.
“They’ve offered about $155M over five years and would increase the money too. But Bellinger has been looking for seven years.
“Bellinger has countered the Yankees’ offer. (But that’s no guarantee. Alex Bregman countered Boston’s offer, too.) After missing out on Kyle Tucker, the Jays and Mets may now come out stronger for Bellinger.”
The Blue Jays showed a willingness to offer Tucker a long-term deal. If they do the same with Bellinger, Toronto could become a serious player for the former Dodger.
The Mets, on the other hand, went to high salary figures for Bellinger, and they could potentially go high enough to see him switch sides in the Freeway Series.
The Yankees are looking to act fast, but their patient approach could cost them in the end.
More news: Dodgers Land Coveted OF Kyle Tucker in Major Free Agency Splash
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