Yankees Pursue Bellinger, Imai Amid Payroll Limits

The New York Yankees are aggressively pursuing key free agents this offseason, including outfielder Cody Bellinger and Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, as they aim to bolster a roster facing stiff competition in the American League East. With owner Hal Steinbrenner expressing caution over escalating payroll costs, the team's plans have been complicated by outfielder Trent Grisham's decision to accept a one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer, tightening their financial flexibility ahead of the 2026 season.

The Yankees, who finished the 2025 regular season with 94 wins alongside division rival Toronto, are prioritizing upgrades to their starting rotation and lineup after missing the playoffs. Imai, a 27-year-old right-hander posted by Japan's Saitama Seibu Lions on November 18, has drawn strong interest from New York. His 45-day signing window closes on January 2, and multiple league sources indicate the Yankees are among the top contenders, alongside the San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays. Imai posted a 1.92 ERA over 163 2/3 innings in 2025, with 178 strikeouts and just six home runs allowed, contributing to a combined no-hitter in which he struck out...