Bo Bichette Rumors Reveal Yankees, Phillies' Latest Efforts to Land Contract in MLB Free Agency
The New York Yankees are still trying to re-sign star slugger Cody Bellinger, but that reportedly won't stop them from making other pursuits.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Yankees and Bellinger "have exchanged multiple proposals but haven't closed the gap quite enough to shut off other possibilities — either for Bellinger or the Yankees," giving them the chance to look "more seriously" at Toronto Blue Jays free-agent shortstop Bo Bichette.
Heyman described Bellinger as the Yankees' "No. 1 target" in free agency at this point in the offseason. Still, it was noted that there has been "middling progress" in contract discussions, which "certainly invites other possibilities."
Bichette, on the other hand, is reportedly generating more interest from a National League contender.
According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Matt Gelb, "Bichette is expected to meet with Phillies officials on a video conference call in the coming days" and the team has done "extensive work on the various roster ripple effects of signing him."
In addition to the Yankees, Bellinger is reportedly being pursued by his former Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers teams. He is coming off a strong first year in New York in which he hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI.
The delay in Bellinger talks has allowed the Yankees to turn their attention to Bichette, who they "contacted early in winter," per Heyman. The 27-year-old hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBI for a Blue Jays team that made it to the World Series before losing to the Dodgers in seven games.
While Bichette would be a strong addition to the Yankees' lineup, Heyman noted that there's no obvious spot for him available in the team's infield. He suggested that trading second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. would open up a position for Bichette, but that's not "imminent." Shortstop Anthony Volpe also could miss the start of the season while recovering from shoulder surgery.
The Yankees have had a quiet offseason so far, so adding a player like Bichette would surely bring some optimism, but it's clear that they also don't want to lose Bellinger to the open market.
