The New York Yankees reportedly believed Freddie Freeman wanted to go elsewhere and moved on accordingly.
MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported the American League East team "tried hard" to land the coveted first baseman on the free-agency market but had "the clear impression at this point that he preferred not to come."
Heyman also noted the Yankees are worried Freeman may end up on the Boston Red Sox.
New York responded by re-signing Anthony Rizzo to play first base on a two-year deal worth $30 to $35 million, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today.