The Yankees are among several teams interested in one of the top free agents.

On Thursday, Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported that the Yankees have “checked on” Blue Jays infielder Bo Bichette, who has shortstop and second base (five games in the playoffs) experience.

Bichette would create wrinkles across the Yankees’ lineup. Second baseman Jazz Chisholm, who has a year remaining on his deal, could be used in a trade or moved to another position. Bichette could also play shortstop, where Jose Cabellero and Anthony Volpe are slated to earn their time. Could Ryan McMahon be pushed out of a job at third base?

Either way, the Yankees not alone in Bichette’s pursuit. Heyman also listed the Dodgers and Cubs as two new teams linked to Bichette.

The Yankees might be considering a pivot to Bichette because Cody Bellinger’s 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 a contract of at least five years.

“No one has come close, I don’t think, to the demands that are ongoing for Bellinger (via agent Scott Boras),” YES Network’s Jack Curry said in mid-December.

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.

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.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.