The New York Yankees are in desperate need to re-patch their roster with more pieces to help them contend. With the possibility of the team losing some players, the name Kyle Tucker may be floating around the Yankees’ orbit once again.
The Yankees’ season is over, after a traumatic four-game loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Division Series. Since the downfall, there’s been finger-pointing everywhere, from field level all the way up to management and ownership.
Ultimately, though, the Yankees took a series loss because of the product on the field. MLB on Fox analyst and former Yankee Alex Rodriguez said it best, describing this year’s Yankees as “one of the worst constructions of a roster I’ve ever seen.”
The club has the power to evaluate and change that roster construction for the best. Where does this start? Free agency and the off-season market. The Yankees will always be the Yankees; there’s no room for a “rebuild,” especially in the latter stages of Aaron Judge’s career.
Tucker’s name has been connected to the Yankees in the trade market and his eventual free agency for some time now. With upcoming potential vacancies, Tucker may find a possible home in the Bronx.
Switching Around Some Yankees Outfielders May Make Room for Kyle Tucker
It came to light over the weekend that Cody Bellinger will be opting out of his contract to test free agency. Before the 2024 season, he was signed to a three-year, $80 million contract with the Chicago Cubs; this carried over after a trade to the Bronx.
The Yankees also run the risk of losing outfielder Trent Grisham. Both of these players were huge parts of the 2025 Yankees and their postseason berth. One, if not both of these players, could be gone this offseason.
Tucker could be the next name in line for a job in the outfield. The Cubs outfielder avoided arbitration in 2025, signing a one-year, $16.5 million contract. He’s set to be a free agent this offseason. His name tops the list of offensive-minded outfielders on the market.
Cody Bellinger is reportedly expected to opt out of his Yankees contract and become a free agent, per @jorgecastillo pic.twitter.com/lX7F0mRaTw
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 10, 2025
Decision Time for the Yankees
Brian Cashman and his front office will have to decide a few things when looking at constructing the outfield and the lineup for 2026. First and foremost, the decision will be between Bellinger and Tucker.
The Yankees likely won’t foot the bill on both of these guys. Bellinger has a strong case in the market for more money, based on his strong regular season and postseason contributions.
Still, Bellinger may be the cheaper option to go with. Tucker will probably be a lot pricier and will come with a longer commitment. Do the Yankees want to go five years or more on an outfielder? The 28-year-old is a four-time All-Star with stellar numbers.
He’s polished and would be worth a contract 5-7 years in length. However, a Tucker signing most likely means they lose Bellinger. But the Yankees may have a chance to re-sign Grisham, and or maybe even consider one of the younger players from the farm system, such as Spencer Jones.
Regardless, a consistent bat needs to be added to the lineup, and holes need to be filled or replaced. Tucker will be prioritized in that conversation.
Main Photo Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
