"Perfect fit for Yankees, not better player" - MLB insider weighs Kyle Tucker vs Cody Bellinger for Bronx Bombers

As they look to bolster their outfield this winter, the New York Yankees continue to be linked with both Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger.

Tucker enjoyed a strong campaign in Chicago, finishing the regular season with a .266 batting average, 22 home runs and 73 RBIs. Bellinger, meanwhile, impressed in the Bronx, hitting .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs.

While Tucker is considered by many to be the No. 1 free agent on the market at the moment, insider Ken Rosenthal is of the opinion that Bellinger is the "perfect fit" for the Bronx Bombers.

"There has been debate among certain segments of the Yankees fanbase, is Tucker a better fit than Cody Bellinger?" Rosenthal said (Timestamp: 11:40). "It seems to me the Yankees are more inclined to sign Bellinger. He's a guy who's had an up-and-down career, but lately, back on the upswing. Cody Bellinger is, in many ways, a perfect fit for the Yankees. Now, he is not the better player. Kyle Tucker is the better player.

"So, I expect Tucker to do better (in free agency). I expect the Yankees, if they don't end up with Cody Bellinger, to be scrambling a little bit, because I don't know that they want to pay Tucker. The ideal situation for the Yankees, my opinion here, sign Bellinger, sign (Tatsuya) Imai, the Japanese right-handed pitcher who's just 28 years old, and then sign maybe a closer. If they do all that, they're having a pretty good offseason."

---

Yankees GM Brian Cashman reveals he is keen on re-signing Cody Bellinger

Cody Bellinger established himself as a fan favorite in the Bronx in 2025, and New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman revealed he would "love" to bring the outfielder back in 2026, during a press conference held on Oct. 16.

"He was really impactful for us, no question about it," Cashman said (Timestamp: 0:38). "He was one of the many reasons why we were in a position to believe that we were capable of great things this year. I thank him for everything he’s done.

"Certainly would love to have him with our team moving forward, but we haven’t had any of those discussions. I haven’t had any conversations with Scott Boras. Bouquets his way, without a doubt. He helped us on both sides of the ball, 0ffense, defense, he’s a versatile player, and he was great in our clubhouse.”

Washington Nationals v New York Yankees - Source: Getty

Bellinger is projected to land a deal in the range of $160 million this winter.