🚨 Kyle Tucker Now Viewed as ‘Fallback Option’ for Yankees Amid Cody Bellinger Rumors 👇

As the New York Yankees aggressively pursue offensive upgrades this offseason, their primary focus has been on strengthening the outfield. A left-handed bat with both power and versatility has become a top priority, and Cody Bellinger has long been viewed as the best fit for what the team needs. His ability to play multiple outfield positions, combined with his offensive production and postseason experience, makes him an ideal candidate for a team looking to maximize its championship window.

However, with Bellinger still in negotiations and the Yankees needing to make a move soon, another star outfielder has come into play: Kyle Tucker. While Bellinger has been the Yankees’ No. 1 target, Tucker is now being viewed as a “fallback option” should the team fail to land Bellinger. This shift in focus comes as the offseason heats up and free-agent talks intensify.

Cody Bellinger: Still the Yankees’ Top Priority

From the start of the offseason, the Yankees’ search for a left-handed bat has been heavily centered on Cody Bellinger. His stellar defense, particularly his ability to excel in center field, and his impressive offensive capabilities, including 29 home runs and 13 stolen bases in 2025, made him an obvious choice for the Yankees. In addition, Bellinger’s postseason pedigree, with multiple key playoff moments throughout his career, has made him even more attractive to a team looking to compete for championships in the near future.

But despite Bellinger being at the top of the Yankees’ wish list, negotiations have been tricky, with a sizable gap between the Yankees’ offers and Bellinger’s demands. This delay has led to mounting concerns that the Yankees might not be able to lock up Bellinger in time. Given this, the team is exploring other options, and Kyle Tucker has emerged as a viable alternative.

Kyle Tucker: A Strong Backup Option

Kyle Tucker, the Houston Astros’ outfielder, is considered one of the best all-around players in baseball. Known for his power, consistency, and ability to perform in big moments, Tucker is a dynamic option for the Yankees. Over the last few seasons, he’s established himself as one of the premier outfielders in the league, boasting a .292 career batting average, along with 30+ home run potential and a solid defensive reputation.

As R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports noted, while Bellinger has been the Yankees’ top priority, Tucker is a player who could easily step in and fill the void. “Tucker brings power and everything in between,” Anderson writes, highlighting that if the Yankees miss out on Bellinger, pivoting to a player of Tucker’s caliber would still be a massive win for the team.

Tucker is also a bit of a known quantity—his performance on a championship-caliber Astros team makes him an even more appealing target for the Yankees. He provides a more complete game than Bellinger, adding value not only in the batters’ box but also with his steady defensive contributions.

Timing Could Be Crucial

While the Yankees are preparing for all scenarios, timing could be a crucial factor. According to Anderson, Tucker might sign with another team before Bellinger reaches a decision. This is an important consideration for the Yankees, as they would be left scrambling for an alternative if they miss out on both players. As much as they have made Bellinger a priority, it’s clear that the Yankees can’t afford to wait too long.

If Tucker signs first, the Yankees will have little choice but to focus all their efforts on bringing Bellinger back to New York, assuming the free agent is open to a return. If Bellinger signs elsewhere before that, the Yankees will have to adjust their strategy quickly and ensure they secure another quality bat for their lineup.

Backup Plans: Other Free-Agent Options

Despite focusing heavily on Bellinger and Tucker, the Yankees’ front office is known for its ability to pivot quickly in the face of free agency challenges. Should both of these players slip away, there are still several veteran options in the market that could give the Yankees depth and strength in the outfield. However, acquiring a player like Tucker or Bellinger would certainly provide the Yankees with the type of dynamic playmaker they need to compete in the coming season.

A Crucial Offseason for the Yankees

The Yankees’ offseason plans have revolved heavily around securing a starting outfielder who can both hit for power and defend across the outfield. The situation with Cody Bellinger has certainly complicated those plans, but the Yankees have shown time and again that they are capable of making bold moves to secure the talent they need. If they miss out on Bellinger, signing a player like Kyle Tucker would ensure that they don’t miss out on making a significant improvement to their roster.

Conclusion: Will Bellinger or Tucker Be a Yankee in 2026?

As the offseason progresses, Cody Bellinger remains the Yankees’ primary focus, but Kyle Tucker is quickly becoming a realistic backup option. If the Yankees cannot finalize a deal with Bellinger, pivoting to Tucker would be a smart move to ensure the team still adds a significant bat. However, Tucker is also a sought-after commodity, so the Yankees’ window to make a move may be smaller than they would like. Either way, securing an outfielder of this caliber is critical for the Yankees’ future success as they aim to remain competitive in the AL East and beyond.

This offseason will be pivotal in shaping the Yankees’ roster for the next few seasons, and fans will be watching closely to see whether Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker ends up in pinstripes in 2026.