The Yankees took an uncharacteristically frugal approach to free agency this offseason, but it’s working — to the tune of the best record in MLB.

A whopping 18 clubs spent more than the $35.4 million New York handed out to FAs in 2022, down from $114.5 million it spent in ’21 and $336.5 million in ’20.

But on Sunday, the Yanks (16-6) reeled off their ninth consecutive victory and 11th in their last 12. They lead the AL East in their latest tilt at a first World Series title since 2009.

The key to the Yanks’ latest hot streak is, unsurprisingly, power hitting. The Bronx Bombers are living up to their nickname, led by Anthony Rizzo and Aaron Judge — two stars in very different contractual circumstances.

• Rizzo was their only marquee FA signing in 2022 (2 years, $32M) — he leads MLB in HRs (nine) and is tied for second in RBI (21).
• Judge is tied for second in HR (8) and T-10 in RBI (16); he could be looking for a possible $200 million extension this offseason.
• The Yankees are tied with the Blue Jays for most HRs (31) and have the best run differential in the AL (+41).

The Yankees were wary of overspending for a reason: They still carry the third-highest payroll in MLB ($245.4M).

For now, GM Brian Cashman’s relatively conservative strategy is paying off: New York is tied with the third-best odds (+750) to win the World Series.

One of New Orleans’ native sons is coming home — and one of the NFL’s top defensive units is getting even stronger.

Safety Tyrann Mathieu is reportedly signing with the Saints, per multiple reports.

Details haven’t been disclosed at press time, and the deal isn’t likely to be finalized until after 4 p.m. ET on Monday — when any new unrestricted free-agent signings will not count against the compensatory draft-pick formula.

But Mathieu could earn a deal that eclipses the record set for a safety set by Jamal Adams’ four-year, $72 million contract with the Seahawks in 2021. Mathieu is coming off a three-year, $42 million pact with the Chiefs, and the Saints have the fifth-most effective cap space in the NFL ($18.9M).

His impressive track record — and the fact that he’ll only be 30 at the start of the season — would justify the payday.

• Mathieu won Super Bowl LIV with Kansas City, racking up 18 combined tackles and three pass deflections during the playoff run.
• He’s a three-time Pro Bowler (‘15, ‘20, ‘21) and First Team All-Pro (‘15, ‘19, ‘20).
• Since coming into the league in 2013, Mathieu is tied with Tashaun Gipson and Harrison Smith for the most safety interceptions (26).

The Saints had one of the best defenses in the NFL last season — they ranked third in defensive DVOA — and should be even stronger in that department under their new head coach, former defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.

If the Jameis Winston-led offense can follow suit, the Saints could quickly be contenders once again.

In one season, Jordan Poole has gone from role player to a present and future core piece of the Warriors’ bid to reestablish their dynasty status.

The 22-year-old — not the Splash Brothers — led the Warriors to victory in Game 1 against Memphis on Sunday, going 12-20 for a team-high 31 points, his fourth game shooting better than 60% this postseason.

But if Golden State wants the third-year pro to slot in with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson going forward, he’ll be expensive after a breakout postseason — he’ll likely command more than the four-year, $80 million deal he’s rumored to be seeking.

• Golden State ($179M) has the highest payroll in the NBA and a league-high $170.3 million luxury tax bill.
• Six games in, Poole’s averaging 22.7 points and six assists on 56% FG and 48.8% from three — the highest 3PT% on the team
• He’s the 11th-highest-paid Warrior this season ($2.2M).

The Warriors can delay the extension and make him a restricted free agent during the summer of 2023, but that would put them in risky territory. 

Other teams with more cap space would be able to put down an offer sheet that Golden State might not be able to match. 

The Warriors will have roughly $11 million in cap space if they pass on an extension this summer — which will give them more flexibility to sign Poole for the right price and duration.