NEW YORK — The offseason just got a lot more painful for New York Yankees supporters. Hall of Famer CC Sabathia made sure everyone knew exactly how he felt about the latest Bo Bichette blow to the Bronx Bombers.
The Yankees legend fired off a meme on X that captured the frustration of an entire fan base. His post went viral within minutes. The timing could not have been worse for Yankees faithful already reeling from a brutal 48 hours in MLB free agency.
First came the Kyle Tucker news on Thursday night. The four-time All-Star outfielder chose the Los Angeles Dodgers over all other suitors. He signed a record-setting four-year, $240 million contract that left the Mets and Blue Jays empty-handed.
Yankees miss out on another star
The Yankees had interest in Bo Bichette. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported the team was among those in the mix for the two-time All-Star infielder.
Then came Friday’s gut punch. Bichette did sign in New York. Just not with the Yankees.
The Mets swooped in and landed the 27-year-old on a three-year, $126 million contract. The deal includes opt-outs after each of the first two seasons. It also features a full no-trade clause and no deferred money.
Sabathia, who suited up for the Bronx Bombers from 2009 to 2019, wasted no time sharing his displeasure. The 2009 World Series champion posted a meme on social media that perfectly summed up the frustration gripping Yankees nation.
Fan outrage floods social media
The reaction from Yankees fans was swift and brutal. They flooded social media with their own takes on the Bichette signing.
“Hal and Cashman are putting in that work!!” one fan wrote sarcastically on X.
Another supporter did not hold back.
“Organization is pathetic. Won’t utilize being one of the most profitable franchises in sports in a league with NO CAP. Letting Judge rot.”
The frustration boiled over as fans demanded answers from the front office. Some called for a boycott of the 2026 season. Others pointed fingers at ownership for failing to compete in the spending race.
“So we’re actually not doing anything,” another fan lamented as the Bichette news broke.
Bichette brings elite bat to Mets lineup
The two-time AL hits leader delivered an impressive 2025 campaign with the Toronto Blue Jays. He batted .311 with 18 home runs and 44 doubles across 139 games. He drove in 94 runs and posted an .840 OPS.
A knee injury cost him the final month of the regular season. But Bo Bichette returned for the World Series and showed he was healthy. He slashed .348/.444/.478 with six RBIs in seven postseason games against the Dodgers.
His $42 million average annual value ties for the sixth-highest in baseball history. The Mets will pay luxury tax penalties that could push their total bill on Bichette to nearly $97 million for 2026 alone.
Bichette is expected to play third base in Queens. Francisco Lindor holds down shortstop. Marcus Semien, acquired in a trade from the Rangers, will man second base.
Phillies offered more money
The Mets were not the only team that lost out. Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported the Philadelphia Phillies offered Bichette a seven-year contract worth between $190 million and $200 million.
But Philadelphia refused to hand out a short-term deal with opt-outs. Bichette chose flexibility over total guaranteed money. He can test free agency again as early as next winter at age 28.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic confirmed the contract structure. The deal includes a $5 million opt-out bonus if Bichette decides to leave after 2026.
Bellinger talks remain stuck
The Yankees now pin their hopes on re-signing Cody Bellinger. Contract negotiations have stalled for weeks. The team offered five years at around $155 million with no deferrals and two opt-outs.
Bellinger wants seven years. Neither side has budged on that core issue.
The 30-year-old thrived in pinstripes last season. He hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs across 152 games. His 5.1 WAR marked his best season since winning NL MVP in 2019.
The Mets could also pursue Bellinger after landing Bichette. Both New York clubs may soon enter a bidding war for the former Dodgers star.
If Bellinger signs elsewhere, the Yankees will have struck out on every major free agent this winter. Their only significant addition so far has been left-hander Ryan Weathers, acquired from the Marlins earlier this week.
Sabathia’s bond with Yankees nation endures
Sabathia spent 11 seasons in the Bronx. He won a World Series ring in 2009. He made four All-Star teams as a Yankee. He racked up more than 1,500 strikeouts in pinstripes.
The 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025. His career totals include 251 wins and 3,093 strikeouts across 19 seasons.
His reaction to the Bichette signing shows his connection to Yankees fans remains strong. He still feels the pain when the team misses out on top talent.
Spring training opens in less than a month. The Yankees need answers. Their fan base grows more restless by the day. And CC Sabathia just reminded everyone that the pinstripe faithful are watching every move.
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