For weeks, the Yankees’ offseason was defined by the pursuit of Cody Bellinger, but a rival’s pivot has suddenly opened a new, unexpected path to an All-Star shortstop. With the Toronto Blue Jays shifting their attention to Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette has become more available than ever.

“The Yankees are looking “more seriously” at Bo Bichette as negotiations continue to drag on with Cody Bellinger,” reported the Fireside Yankees.

Toronto explored bringing Bo Bichette back, but offseason momentum shifted decisively toward Kyle Tucker. Hosting Tucker in Florida and committing over $300 million elsewhere clarified Toronto’s roster priorities. Okamoto’s $60 million deal locked third base, sliding Gimenez to shortstop, and squeezing infield flexibility further.

That shift quietly reduced Bichette’s path, despite Toronto valuing him at around $200 million once, internally reported.

Now, the Yankees have entered the Bo Bichette debate, though Cody Bellinger remains a priority internally, especially because of his average of .272, 29 homers, and 4.9 fWAR. But negotiations with Bellinger have stalled after multiple proposals, leaving a clear contract gap.

Even then, New York is cautious on length, treating Bichette as leverage and insurance during a stalemate.

The Yankees’ interest is well-founded, as Bichette is coming off a season where he was an offensive force, hitting .311 with 18 homers, 94 RBI, and 134 wRC+ last season. More importantly for a Yankees team seeking plate discipline, he demonstrated improved patience, raising his walk rate to 6.4% while reducing his strikeouts to 14.5%. But his defensive metrics at shortstop remain a concern.

Contract projections place Bo Bichette near $300 million, with Philadelphia reportedly offering $182 million earlier this winter.

If Bellinger falls through, New York can fit Bichette via infield shifts or trades.

Anthony Volpe’s shoulder surgery and discussions around Jazz Chisholm create pathways without heavy disruption to lineups. Meanwhile, adding Bellinger or Bichette raises championship odds for 2026. Standing pat is not an option if they hope to improve on last season’s 94 wins.

Toronto’s pivot to Kyle Tucker handed New York a gift, now wrapped in calculated opportunity. Failing to act on Bellinger or Bichette would leave the Bronx chasing last season’s shadows.

Plus, another factor is hanging over the Yankees to push their pursuit of the Blue Jays’ star shortstop.

Even with the Yankees pushing for Cody Bellinger, they are not the favorites to land him

The Mets, quietly rebuilding around necessity rather than notoriety, are suddenly the team to beat in the battle for Belli.

Interest in Cody Bellinger has intensified as the New York Mets reshape an outfield thinned by offseason trades.

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Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil combined for nearly 200 outfield appearances last season with the Mets. Outside of Juan Soto, no returning Mets outfielder produced an OPS above .750 in the 2024 season.

Bellinger’s 2023 performance showed reliability, posting a .307 average, .356 OBP, and .525 slugging percentage. He added 26 home runs and 97 RBIs while providing elite defense at multiple positions. That versatility fits the Mets, who currently lack a proven first baseman and stable left fielder.

Contract projections place Bellinger near 7 years and approximately $175 million.

The Mets hold a financial edge, with fewer long-term outfield commitments than the Yankees currently. With roster needs, payroll flexibility, and recent production aligning, Bellinger represents a logical target there.

Bellinger’s choice will test the Mets’ patience and Steve Cohen’s willingness to spend freely. The Yankees may headline the chase, but Queens could quietly rewrite the outfield hierarchy. Landing Bellinger would validate the Mets’ strategy while leaving Bronx fans nervously watching every negotiation.