As usual the Yankees have been linked to many of the top names on the free agent market Kyle Tucker And Cody Bellinger noted as two of the more prominent players on New York’s radar. How exactly the front office organizes their internal wish list remains to be seen, but Jon Heyman of the New York Post writes that Tucker “seems to be a backup plan” for Bellinger. Familiarity and defensive flexibility are key, as Heyman notes the Yankees already know Bellinger can handle the game in the high-pressure environment of the Bronx. Tucker is primarily a right fielder who would have to move to left field in New York due to circumstances Aaron Judge‘s presence, while Bellinger offers more defensive utility as a player capable of playing all three outfield positions and first base.
It can also be assumed that the Yankees would prefer to pay Bellinger’s lower price tag: MLBTR expects Tucker to sign an 11-year, $400 million deal, while Bellinger is expected to get a relatively more modest $140 million over five years. Signing Tucker would also cost the Yankees draft picks and international bonus money, while the qualifying offer-related penalties would not apply if Bellinger is re-signed.
Here are more from the AL East…
- The Blue jays was interested in Phil Maton before the veteran reliever signed with the Cubs, Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith reports. This is consistent with the Jays’ previous interest in the righty, as Toronto was previously linked to Maton when he was a free agent last winter and at the trade deadline before Maton was dealt from the Cardinals to the Rangers. It is known that Toronto is looking for a reliever to complement or even replace Jeff Hoffman in the closer’s role, but Maton would also have been a good addition as a bullpen workhorse who has shown the ability to handle higher leverage work in the past.
- Kristian Campbell going to play winter ball, Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reports, such as the Red Sox continue to try to get Campbell on track after a shaky debut season in the majors. A meteoric rise in his first two pro seasons earned Campbell a spot on Boston’s Opening Day and an eight-year, $60 million extension shortly thereafter, but he hit just .223/.319/.345 over 263 plate appearances as pitchers quickly adjusted to Campbell after his hot start. Campbell was demoted to Triple-A Worcester in June and hit quite well at Triple-A, but with little power, and he was also rotated around the diamond, seeing time at first base, second base and all three outfield positions. Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow told Speier and other reporters earlier in November that Campbell was focused on regaining some weight and getting stronger to better handle the grind of a full season. The expensive contract will keep Campbell involved in Boston’s plans, though it remains to be seen how he will fit into a 2026 team that has a crowded outfield and has been linked to several big free agent infielders.
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