Yankees Get Hope on Slugger’s Future from ESPN Insider
The New York Yankees didn’t just rent Cody Bellinger for a pennant push. They may have stumbled into their next multi-year cornerstone. ESPN insider Jeff Passan’s early free-agency intel hints at a real pathway to keeping Bellinger in pinstripes. This comes even as the former NL MVP barrels toward an opt-out that would typically launch a nine-figure bidding war.
The Opt-Out Everyone Sees—and the Extension Door That Just Opened
Bellinger’s contract allows him to opt out after this season, which is widely expected. He arrived in a salary-dump swap that sent Cody Poteet to the Chicago Cubs, then dominated on the field. He’s slashing .275/.329/.498 with 27 homers, running plus defense across all three outfield spots, and even sprinkled in first-base. That profile screams “opt out.” Passan agrees.
But Passan also discussed an important detail: the extension option. The Yankees are uniquely able to move before Bellinger’s opt-out triggers a wide bidding war. New York can offer the kind of security and multi-year deal Bellinger may seek, leveraging the team’s on-field strengths and historic brand. In addition, looming factors such as possible labor uncertainty in 2026–27 and an international free-agent class could alter market dynamics, making such an extension offer more appealing. Taking action early enables the Yankees to avoid the chaotic open market and negotiate terms that meet the needs of both parties.
Why Bellinger Specifically Works for This Roster
The Yankees’ roster makes an aggressive pitch for Bellinger logical. Trent Grisham‘s impending free agency and Spencer Jones’ later ETA mean Bellinger’s skill set—Gold Glove defense at multiple outfield spots and first base flexibility—fills both short- and long-term needs. That versatility delivers the matchup options New York values come October.
The splits tell an even sharper story. Bellinger’s reverse platoon has been a cheat code against lefties. He has an OPS over 1.000 vs. southpaws this season. On a team that routinely leans lefty in key spots, his ability to punish same-side pitching balances the lineup. This does not force awkward depth-chart compromises. You keep the bat in order, protect Aaron Judge, and preserve late-inning defensive alignments. That’s expensive, but it’s what you pay for at the top of the market: fit.
New York’s strategy is straightforward: offer Bellinger a contract that absorbs his opt-out, providing long-term security while accounting for past performance swings. This could include front-loaded salary to minimize risk in later years, escalators for plate appearances and defensive games at premium positions, and a mutual late opt-out to align incentives. The goal is to secure a deal that reflects Bellinger’s consistent value and aligns with the Yankees’ roster needs.
Could another giant meet or beat that? Always. But the Yankees can sell certainty and stage. Bellinger already proved the fit. The city hasn’t rattled him. The clubhouse has carved a role that suits his game. If the league braces for a messy winter—if international stars nudge big-market dollars in new directions—the cleanest solution is often the quiet in-house extension that never hits the rumor mill.
Passan didn’t guarantee anything. The takeaway is clear: the Yankees have a chance to keep Bellinger. Now it’s on Brian Cashman and ownership to act decisively before competitors do.
Lions Officially Announce Massive Jameson Williams Contract Extension
On Sunday morning, the day of their season-opening matchup against their division-rival Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Lions officially announced their massive contract extension for WR Jameson Williams. The speedster wide receiver and former first-round pick was a big part of Detroit’s offense last season, and now he’s locked up for the foreseeable future.
According to NFL inside Jordan Schultz on Saturday, the Lions signed Williams to a three-year deal worth up to $83 million on the eve of the season. The extension officially keeps Williams under contract through 2029, as he was still on the fourth year of his rookie contract this season and could have played on the fifth-year option in 2026.
Schultz adds that the deal carries $67 million in guarantees, a hefty number. The $27.6 million in average annual value ranks 13th in the league among wide receivers, just above the Bears’ D.J. Moore and just under the Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle.
“The Lions have signed WR Jameson Williams to a contract extension,” the team’s press release reads. “Among all NFL players in 2024, he tied for 1st in 50+ yard catches (five) & was 2nd in receiving average (17.3). Among all NFL WRs with 50+ catches last year, he ranked 1st in YAC/reception (8.6).”
Jameson Williams Had a Breakout Season in 2024
Mike Mulholland/GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 05: Jameson Williams #9 of the Detroit Lions reacts after a first down during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 05, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
It wasn’t a banner start to his career for Williams. The former star at Alabama in college was the No. 12 overall pick in 2022. The Lions paid a steep price to get him, trading a first-rounder (No. 32), a second-rounder (No. 34), and a third-rounder for the No. 2 pick and a lower second-rounder (No. 46). Detroit had already used a first-round pick that year on OT Penei Sewell (No. 7).
Williams was recovering from an ACL tear as a rookie and only played in six games, logging a single reception. But that one catch went for 41 yards and a touchdown, flashing his high-level potential as a game-breaking speed threat.
With just 24 catches for 354 yards and two touchdowns in 2023, many were wondering if the Lions had made a mistake drafting Williams so high. But he put those concerns to rest in a breakout 2024 campaign, when he had 58 catches for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns, adding an important field-stretching ability to the Lions offense.
The Detroit Lions Offense Will Have Some New Pieces This Season
The high-flying Lions offense will have some new elements this season. Star offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is now the head coach of the Chicago Bears, taking his ingenuity and creativity with him. Internal promotion John Morton has big shoes to fill, but the team has every confidence in him.
Along the offensive line, C Frank Ragnow retired and G Kevin Zeitler signed with the Titans in free agency. Graham Glasgow slides over to center to replace Ragnow, while rookie second-rounder Tate Ratledge steps in at RG for Zeitler.
Despite the new faces, this Lions offense should remain one of the NFL’s best — even if it looks a little different.
