The days of the New York Yankees being extremely aggressive in free agency seem to be over.
On Thursday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract. Less than 24 hours later, the New York Mets agreed to terms on a three-year, $126 million deal with former Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Bo Bichette. There were plenty of fans in the Bronx hoping either one of those sluggers would be wearing pinstripes next season.
To make matters worse, the Yankees might be in jeopardy of losing All-Star outfielder Cody Bellinger this offseason. Both the Blue Jays and Mets are considered serious suitors for him.
"With Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette off the market, Cody Bellinger is now the top hitter remaining on the free-agent market," MLB insider Mark Feinsand said. "The Yankees and Blue Jays figure to be his top suitors, though the Mets - who remain in need of OF help - still can’t be ruled out despite signing Bichette."
Bellinger had a .272 average, 29 homers and 98 RBIs during his first season with the Yankees. If he's not re-signed this offseason, Aaron Judge won't have much support around him for Opening Day.
© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images.
Outrage in the Bronx.
While there's still plenty of time for the Yankees to improve their roster, fans have made it clear they're done supporting owner Hal Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman.
"Another miss by Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman," one fan wrote. "Bo to the Mets, Tucker to Dodgers. Hal should step down."
"The Yankees just had their worst (in a huge group of worst) offseason in the pathetic Hal Steinbrenner era. What will you, as a fan do to show your disapproval?" a second fan commented.
"Hal Steinbrenner sell the team, Brian Cashman go do whatever you want to do in retirement. The Yankees I know and love no longer exist," a third fan declared.
"Hal gonna get outbid Get ready for a Domingues/Hays platoon in LF and watch Judge break the single season intentional walk record," another fan predicted.
Clearly, the fan base isn't very confident in Steinbrenner and Cashman. If they can re-sign Bellinger, maybe that'll change the mood in the Bronx.