Yankees Eye Bellinger's Return While Waiting on Tucker

The New York Yankees may have to be patient in their pursuit of outfielder Cody Bellinger this offseason, as reports suggest they could be waiting for another key player to sign first. According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, a league source indicates that agent Scott Boras might hold off on finalizing Bellinger's deal until outfielder Kyle Tucker makes his move in the free agency market.

Tucker, recognized as the top free agent available, may significantly influence Bellinger’s market value. Bellinger is seen as a close second among position players, making Tucker's contract a pivotal point in determining Bellinger's worth.

Last offseason, Bellinger joined the Yankees in a trade from the Chicago Cubs under circumstances that were mostly viewed as a salary dump. The 30-year-old outfielder had a remarkable season, recording a .272 batting average, 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 89 runs scored, alongside 13 stolen bases. His performance even matched the heights of his MVP season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019, where he hit .305 with 47 homers.

His versatility was also on display, as he played all three outfield positions, combining his solid defense with potent offensive contributions to achieve a 5.1 WAR, marking the second-best of his career. Bellinger's powerful left-handed swing proved to be a perfect match for the short porch in Yankee Stadium, where he hit .302 with 18 home runs at home versus a mere .241 with 11 homers away from the stadium.

Financial aspects will undoubtedly play a critical role in where Bellinger ultimately lands. The Yankees face the risk of losing a key player who served as an essential protector for American League MVP Aaron Judge. While other players like Ben Rice, Jazz Chisholm, Trent Grisham, and Giancarlo Stanton could provide some support, Bellinger's consistency in 2025 made him a standout performer in their lineup.

Moreover, the Yankees have multiple needs to address this offseason, including at least one starting pitcher and bullpen reinforcements. Consequently, the organization is under pressure not to delay negotiations with Bellinger for too long. Nevertheless, securing Bellinger's return remains a priority for a franchise eager to capture its first World Series title since 2009, having reached the playoffs eight times in the last nine years.