New York Post | Justin Terranova: The ex must have shown up to Thanksgiving, because the contempt between Sonny Gray and Brian Cashman has only escalated. This time, the Yankee GM has claimed that Gray lied
about his desire to pitch in New York back in 2017, and that those supposed lies were the catalyst to trading for the righty at that year’s deadline. Whatever you think of Gray’s comments at his introductory press conference, it’s awful annoying to see your team’s head honcho responding with personal insults at what’s supposed to be the busiest time of the offseason.
New York Daily News | Gary Phillips: Returning to the business that actually matters, Cashman also discussed the potential 2026 Yankee payroll. There have been a number of rumors swirling that managing partner Hal Steinbrenner wants to keep the club below $300 million this coming season, which will present a challenge to make any significant additions to the roster after arbitration raises and Trent Grisham’s pickup of the $22 million qualifying offer. Cashman told reporters he hasn’t been given a final dollar figure to stay below, which if true is more encouraging about this winter than it could be.
NJ.com | Bob Klapisch: Even with that above, the Yankees look to be targeting one big splash, with Cody Bellinger seeming to be at the top of their wishlist. Should they be outbid for the versatile slugger’s services, the clear Plan B isn’t exactly visible. The club will likely try to recreate Bellinger in the aggregate, similar to what they did when losing Juan Soto a year ago, but they won’t have the budget space to go as big as they did.
FanGraphs | Jay Jaffe: By now I’m sure you’ve all heard that Jeff Kent will be the sole Hall of Fame inductee from the Contemporary Era committee, excluding Yankee legend Don Mattingly once again. However, Jaffe breaks down how this round of voting was yet another way to ensure that Barry Bonds and former Yankees Roger Clemens and Gary Sheffield also are never enshrined in Cooperstown, and really it would just be better for all if Rob Manfred came out and said it.
