Yankees seen as a potential frontrunner for $427 million four-time All-Star, Cody Bellinger replacement

Yankees seen as a potential frontrunner for $427 million four-time All-Star, Cody Bellinger replacement originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Yankees went down quietly against the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS, and because of that, they now know what they need to do. Getting a big bat is a priority, and it looks like the Yanks could be a frontrunner for one.

According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, the Yankees are a top landing spot for Chicago Cubs All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, who he projects to get a 10-year, $427 million contract.

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“Tucker’s left-handed swing would play great at Yankee Stadium and his speed would be an important added element to the Yankees lineup…Tucker won’t turn 30 until 2027, and his young age relative to the rest of this class makes him even more inviting to both clubs for the long-term as they could backload the contract to fit their budgets better with expiring contracts down the road,” Bowden wrote.

This past season, Tucker slashed .266/.377/.464/.841 with 25 doubles, 22 home runs, and 73 RBI in 136 games. Playing at Yankee Stadium would pump his numbers up, as he could abuse the Short Porch for more home runs.

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If the Yanks do get Tucker, that means they’re probably out on Bellinger. With Aaron Judge filling right field and Jasson Dominguez in left, all that leaves is center for Tucker to play, or he and Judge flip positions.

Getting Tucker would be great for the Yankees, as he’s younger than Bellinger and could be a great superstar to take the reins from Judge when he retires. Hopefully, the Yankees realize that and start working on a proposal right away.

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