The New York Yankees have some important decisions to make during the offseason, and one of the key considerations will revolve around what to do with Cody Bellinger. With Kyle Tucker also available as a free agent, some believe the Yankees should prioritize signing Tucker over Bellinger.
While Tucker is currently the better player, it’s important to acknowledge the significant difference in contract value between the two. The Yankees already maintain one of the highest payrolls in baseball and may be hesitant to increase spending significantly, which could make pursuing Tucker less practical.
Despite the financial considerations, The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner has urged the Yankees to make signing Kyle Tucker their top priority. Kirschner’s reasoning is straightforward: Tucker is a better baseball player, and given the Yankees’ desire to assemble the best possible talent, they should be willing to pay a premium.
> “But before deciding whether to reunite with Bellinger, the Yankees should exhaust all efforts to sign Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker. He should be priority No. 1, not Bellinger. The thinking here is quite simple: Tucker is better, and the Yankees should be amassing the best talent,” Kirschner wrote.
### How Much Will Yankees’ Cody Bellinger Cost?
What Bellinger’s price tag might be is a key factor the Yankees will need to weigh. Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently predicted that Bellinger could secure a six-year, $168 million deal in free agency.
Bowden highlighted Bellinger’s versatility, noting his ability to play above-average defense in all three outfield positions as well as first base. Bellinger appears to have settled into left field, where he has been an ideal fit for the Yankees.
Playing half his games at Yankee Stadium, with its short right field porch, Bellinger hit 29 home runs while slashing .272/.334/.480. His OPS at Yankee Stadium was an impressive .909, compared to a .715 OPS at other ballparks.
“I think he’ll opt out of his contract and try to get the Yankees to give him a longer deal. Contract prediction: 6 years, $168 million,” Bowden added.
### Cubs’ Kyle Tucker Will Command a Hefty Payday
While Bellinger is expected to earn a solid contract, Bowden believes Kyle Tucker will command an even more substantial deal, potentially landing a 10-year, $427 million agreement.
The difference in average annual value (AAV) between the two contracts is substantial and something the Yankees must consider carefully.
Bowden points out that Tucker’s left-handed swing would suit Yankee Stadium perfectly, and his speed would add an important element to the lineup. Tucker would also be a great fit for the Dodgers, who could then shift Teoscar Hernández to left field to improve their right field defense.
Tucker, who won’t turn 30 until 2027, brings youth to this free-agent class, making him attractive for long-term contracts that could be backloaded to align with future budget considerations and expiring contracts.
“Contract prediction: 10 years, $427 million,” Bowden wrote.
### The Bottom Line
It’s important to remember that Cody Bellinger was among the best players in baseball about five years ago. While it’s clear that Kyle Tucker currently outperforms Bellinger, Bellinger remains a valuable and skilled player.
Ultimately, the Yankees face a challenging choice between securing a more cost-effective veteran in Bellinger or committing to the long-term potential and superior performance of Tucker — all while balancing their payroll constraints and team-building goals.
https://heavy.com/sports/mlb/chicago-cubs/lose-star-yankees-free-agency/
