The Yankees are among several teams checking in on one of baseball’s rising stars.
On Thursday, Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported that the Yankees have “checked on” Blue Jays infielder Bo Bichette.
They’re not alone in Bichette’s pursuit. Heyman also lists the Dodgers and Cubs as two new teams to be looking at landing the star.
One reason the Yankees might be looking at Bichette is because Cody Bellinger’ asking price might be too high.
Sound familiar, New York? Pete Alonso’s contract demands were believed to be too high last year.
Bellinger, 30, is reportedly seeking something in the neighborhood of a 6-year deal worth $180 million, with an average annual value of $30 million.
“No one has come close, I don’t think, to the demands that are ongoing for Bellinger,” Curry said.
Bichette did receive, and declined, a qualifying offer ($22.025 million) from the Blue Jays. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel projected he’d get a five-year, $150 million ($30 million AAV) contract on Dec. 16.
Spotrac has him with a market value of eight years, $186,426,728 ($23,303,341 million).
Bichette has established himself as one of baseball’s premier players. Since making his MLB debut in 2019, he has consistently impressed with his combination of speed, power, and hitting ability.
He’s earned multiple All-Star selections, has a career batting average above .290 with a career 121 OPS+, and pairs that offensive production with solid defensive skills up the middle.