"Kyle Tucker hasn’t visited the Yankees’ complex" - MLB insider douses Bronx hopes while fueling Blue Jays buzz

New York Yankees fans received a disappointing update on free agent Kyle Tucker from general manager Brian Cashman on Sunday. Tucker is the biggest name this winter and is expected to sign a long-term contract in the neighborhood of $400-500 million.

Given Tucker's presence at the Blue Jays facility in Dunedin, Florida, Cashman addressed whether the outfielder has also visited the Yankees’ facilities. MLB insider Bryan Hoch relayed the update on X, writing:

"Kyle Tucker has not visited the Yankees' complex, Brian Cashman said. Tucker, who lives near Tampa, recently saw the Blue Jays' facility in Dunedin."

Cashman has also added a doubt in their Tucker sweepstakes as he believes the lineup is too left-handed dominant.

Bryan Hoch ⚾️

@BryanHoch

Brian Cashman: "We are too left-handed right now, without a doubt."

This gives Toronto a significant edge in its effort to land Tucker this offseason. The left-handed outfielder has consistently posted good numbers since 2021, and if healthy, he has delivered with elite production. The Cubs enjoyed his services in 2025.

Yankees in contact with Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger both

The Yankees need to fill their outfield as Cody Bellinger opted out of his contract to become a free agent. The Yankees want to re-sign Bellinger, but they are also keeping a close eye on the biggest free agent this offseason, Kyle Tucker.

Brian Cashman said he has been in touch with agents of both players.

"We'd love to have Bellinger come back," Cashman told reporters. "Talked to Boras yesterday about Belli and other free agents of his. Talked to Casey Close about his free agents; he's got Kyle Tucker, amongst others. That's the nature of the beast in the winter. Had several conversations with teams today, try to find a way to make a trade or add a free agent and keep going and going and going."

The Yankees have been quite honest about the payroll situation this offseason, with owner Hal Steinbrenner himself confirming. Thus, banking Tucker's expected $450 million contract could be a challenge for the franchise, trying to reduce their payroll to $300 million for the 2026 season. As such, their best interest would be to re-sign Bellinger on a less lucrative deal.