Yankees Urged to Target Kyle Tucker Over Cody Bellinger

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The New York Yankees’ offseason strategy continues to dominate headlines as The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner fuels the debate over the team’s top free-agent target. In a feature published Tuesday, Kirschner wrote that the Yankees should make free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker their primary pursuit—placing him ahead of incumbent free agent Cody Bellinger.

Kirschner’s report emphasized performance consistency, contact quality, and offensive reliability. Tucker has produced an fWAR above 4.2 in every season since 2020, while Bellinger reached that level only twice during the same stretch. Tucker’s steady production and strong contact metrics make him, in Kirschner’s words, a safer long-term investment than Bellinger, who struggled in his final two seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers before reviving his career in New York.

In a blind comparison published by The Athletic, “Player A” (Bellinger) and “Player B” (Tucker) were evaluated across categories such as on-base percentage, slugging, wRC+, and fWAR. Tucker led nearly every offensive metric, including a 134 wRC+ compared to Bellinger’s 102 over five seasons. The 28-year-old Tucker also shows better plate discipline, striking out in just 15% of his plate appearances compared to Bellinger’s 19%.

Tucker’s higher barrel rate—11% across the last three years versus Bellinger’s 6.7%—shows a clear advantage in contact quality. His expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA) of .388 during that period also tops Bellinger’s .321. Those numbers indicate that Tucker’s results align with consistently hard-hit balls and sustainable power.

Cody Bellinger’s Versatility & Home Advantage

Kirschner credited Bellinger for an excellent 2025 campaign, which included a 125 wRC+, 4.9 fWAR, and Gold Glove-caliber defense. Yet The Athletic noted that his offensive value might have benefited from Yankee Stadium’s dimensions. Bellinger posted a 152 wRC+ at home but just a 97 mark on the road. That contrast raises questions about how well his production would hold up elsewhere.

Defensively, Bellinger continues to offer versatility. He can handle all three outfield positions and first base—an appealing trait for a Yankees front office still deciding on Trent Grisham’s future. Even so, advanced metrics revealed some decline. Bellinger finished with minus-3 Defensive Runs Saved and minus-1 Outs Above Average in center field this year.

Tucker has served as a steady corner outfielder, recording 8 DRS and minus-5 OAA over the past three seasons. If signed, he would likely take over left field, a spot that demands range at Yankee Stadium.

Cost & Timing Add Pressure to Yankees’ Decision

Kirschner also analyzed the financial side. Tucker could command the largest contract of the offseason, possibly above $400 million, while Bellinger’s market might push his total near $200 million. The Athletic noted that New York should focus on acquiring the best overall player rather than making a cheaper, safer choice.

Timing also matters. With Aaron Judge turning 34 next season, the Yankees’ front office faces urgency to capitalize on his remaining prime years. The upcoming free-agent classes offer limited elite hitters until 2028, when Yordan Alvarez, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Gunnar Henderson could reach the market.

Kirschner wrote that pairing Tucker with Judge could give the Yankees a potent offensive duo while securing stability for years to come. The Yankees already explored trade talks with the Houston Astros about Tucker last offseason, signaling prior interest.

Kirschner concluded that the Yankees’ choice between Tucker and Bellinger will shape how competitive they remain during Judge’s final elite seasons.

Alvin Garcia Born in Puerto Rico, Alvin Garcia is a sports writer for Heavy.com who focuses on MLB. His work has appeared on FanSided, LWOS, NewsBreak, Athlon Sports, and Yardbarker, covering mostly MLB. More about Alvin Garcia