ESPN | Buster Olney: Since the start of the offseason, bringing back Cody Bellinger has been the Yankees’ top priority; however, that seems to be changing. With Scott Boras seeking a seven year deal with an AAV in the $37 million range for his client — substantially more than the Yankees are willing to pay, which seems to be substantially more than anyone else is willing to pay — the two sides are at an impasse. Accordingly, the front office seems to be pivoting. Buster Olney specifically highlights
Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette as possible directions for the team, noting that the team has been in talks with the agents for both players, while also noting a move via the trade market is not out of the question either.
NJ.com | Randy Miller: (subscription required) Now that we’re a full third of the way through the month of January, we are officially in the countdown to spring training — after all, pitchers and catchers are roughly just a month away. With that in mind, now is the time that many reporters on the beat begin to drop articles about prospects and journeymen who are expected to see some significant playing time this spring, at least during the early weeks of spring training. In that vein, Randy Miller of NJ.com talks with Elmer Rodríguez, the pitcher acquired via trade from the Red Sox last winter and who currently ranks as the team’s No. 3 ranked prospect.
USA Today | Gabe Lacques: Although we’re at the last juncture of the offseason, many teams still have quite a bit of work to do heading into the new season. As such, USA Today breaks down every team’s biggest need still remaining. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the outfield topped the list for the Yankees, with free agent Cody Bellinger dominating the conversation (as can be seen above).
MLB Trade Rumors | Mark Polishuk: Outfield may be a concern for the Yankees, but with Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt, and Carlos Rodón all expected to start the season on the injured list, the Yankees clearly could also use some additional starting pitching depth. For the most part, though, far from looking to add depth arms, the Yankees have been operating at the top of the market. According to reports, they had checked in on Edward Cabrera before he was traded to the Marlins, have discussed Freddy Peralta and MacKenzie Gore, and have even checked in to learn the Olympian-level price the Tigers have placed on Tarik Skubal.
MLB.com | Will Leitch: Sportswriters love power rankings. Even though they’re generally meaningless (they still have to play the games!), they generate lots of conversation, and can provide a glimpse into where people think teams stand at any given point. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Yankees have fallen from No. 2 to No. 7 in the power rankings from the start of the offseason to now: due to their overall quiet offseason, the vibes around the fanbase aren’t exactly super great.
