MLB insider reveals true reason Yankees stay in Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker race despite no $200M intentions

The New York Yankees have been linked with top free agent slugger Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker this offseason after their ALDS disappointment against the Toronto Blue Jays.

While the Yankees are reportedly looking to re-sign Bellinger in free agency, Jim Bowden of The Athletic predicted the Bronx Bombers to offer Tucker a blockbuster 10-year deal worth $427 million.

However, ESPN analyst Buster Olney seemingly debunked the narrative of the "Just Baseball" show, claiming the Yankees are unlikely to spend $200+ million on a player in the offseason despite the rumors. He said the Yankees are in the race to push other teams.

“Do I think the Yankees are gonna wind up spending $200+ million on a player this winter? I don’t… I think they’ll stay in the Bellinger and Tucker conversations, but in the end it might be to push other teams," Olney said.

The Yankees signed Bellinger to fill the gap left by Juan Soto's departure ahead of the 2025 season, but Bellinger opting for free agency this offseason has once again opened the need for an outfielder.

While signing either Bellinger or Tucker will fortify the Yankees' outfield options, the Bronx Bombers' reported reluctance to spend big in the offseason could see them pivot to cheaper alternatives.

MLB insider shares demotivating Kyle Tucker update amid Yankees' interest

Kyle Tucker reportedly visited the Blue Jays' spring training facility last week amid rumors of a move to the AL East franchise. While players visiting team's training facility during free agency is not uncommon, MLB insider Bryan Hoch reported that the All-Star outfielder has not visited the Yankees' facility.

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

Bryan Hoch ⚾️

@BryanHoch

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

While the latest update disappointed Yankees fans, general manager Brian Cashman said ahead of the 2025 Winter Meetings that the team is in contract with Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker's agents in free agency.