The New York Yankees have reportedly moved away from Cody Bellinger and have pivoted to other options in MLB free agency. One of those options? Kyle Tucker.
Tucker is the jewel of this year’s free-agent class and was viewed as a potential fit for the Yankees heading into the winter, but it didn’t appear that New York had much interest in the four-time All-Star.
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However, recent events may have changed things for the Bronx Bombers, as Bellinger seems to be asking for $36-37 million annually, a rather steep price for a merely good — not great — 30-year-old player with an injury history.
As a result, the Yankees have evidently decided to turn their attention to Tucker, who was said to be seeking a $400 million contract at the outset of he offseason, but may have reduced his demands as a result of a slow market.
But unfortunately, it does not appear that New York is one of the favorites to sign him.
Former MLB general manager Jim Duquette has revealed that the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets are the three teams most connected to Tucker and have all met with the outfielder either in person or via video call.
Kyle Tucker. Credit:Â Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images.
Duquette wondered if any one of those three ballclubs would “increase” their offers, indicating that each of those teams have already made overtures to Tucker.
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So, where do the Yankees fit in all of this? Have they made Tucker an offer? Are they laying in the weeds? Are they really not that interested in the former Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs star?
It’s also entirely possible that Alex Bregman’s recent five-year, $175 million contract with the Cubs has rejuvenated Tucker’s market and, therefore, his asking price, which may have caused the Yanks to bow out of the process.
New York has not made a single notable addition this winter. The Yankees are supposedly trying to make a trade for a starting pitcher, but things appear to be moving at a snail’s pace on that front.
As far as signing big-name free agents? Outside of Bellinger, New York has not seemed serious about anyone. It was also linked to Bo Bichette, but it seems hard to imagine the Yanks meeting his asking price, especially considering how bad he is defensively.
If the Yankees really want Tucker, they better jump in now, because all three of the teams mentioned have deep pockets and are clearly not afraid to spend.