However, the Yankees aren’t the only team Bellinger is keeping an eye on. His ability to play all three outfield spots, as well as first base, makes Bellinger a good fit for just about any team. The Yankees and Bellinger may want a reunion, but money speaks louder than words.
Given Bellinger’s robust market, it’s understandable that the Yankees would look at other options. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, outfielder Kyle Tucker would be part of those backup plans.
Kyle Tucker would be a great fit for the New York Yankees lineup
Tucker wouldn’t be as seamless a fit as Bellinger. Since the start of the 2021 season, he has been primarily a right fielder, with four games in center as his only other on-grass appearances. With Aaron Judge cemented as the Yankees’ right fielder, Tucker would likely have to shift to left, a position he last played in 2020. He would also cost the Yankees draft picks and international bonus money as he rejected the qualifying offer after the 2025 season.
Offensively, Tucker would fit into the lineup well. The four-time All-Star posted a .266/.377/.464 batting line over 597 plate appearances with the Cubs, hitting 22 home runs and 25 doubles and stealing 25 bases. However, Tucker, like Bellinger, is a left-handed hitter, as are most of the players at the top Yankees depth charts.
The Yankees have numerous holes on the roster, with long-term prospects in the outfield high on the list. The Yankees need to add a proven bat to the lineup, whether it’s Bellinger or Tucker. If Bellinger signs elsewhere, the Yankees may have no choice but to turn to Tucker to fill that hole in the lineup.
#Yankees #reportedly #identify #outfield #backup #plan