“That’s some expensive backup plan”; “Utterly hilarious” - Fans mock MLB analyst for listing projected $400M outfielder as Yankees backup

Cody Bellinger's solitary season with the New York Yankees has given them enough reason to sign him to a long-term contract. According to the New York Post's Jon Heyman, the team is prioritizing his signing this offseason.

But the Yankees know they aren't the only team in contention for Bellinger, who brings a lot of versatility to his defense along with his offensive prowess. Thus, as per Heyman in his latest column on Thursday, the team is looking at Kyle Tucker as a backup option to pair beside Aaron Judge in the outfield.

But fans on social media were confused with the Yankees' strategy as Tucker is valued higher than Bellinger and is expected to cost at least $400 million, if not more. On the other hand, Bellinger is vaued at less than half of that amount.

Here are a few reactions:

"That's some expensive backup plan," a fan said.

Bani Peña

@banipena

@FiresideYankees That's some expensive backup plan.

"Calling a $400M player a "fall back option" is utterly hilarious. Jon is working overtime for Boras to come up with horrendous headlines," another fan said.

4 Train Savages

@FourSavages

@FiresideYankees Calling a $400M player a "fall back option" is utterly hilarious. Jon is working overtime for Boras to come up with horrendous headlines.

"Heyman is never beating the allegations, why on Earth would a team target a $150M player only to have a $350M player as their “fallback option”???" a fan questioned.

New York Sports Addict

@NYSportsAddict1

@FiresideYankees Heyman is never beating the allegations, why on Earth would a team target a $150M player only to have a $350M player as their “fallback option”??? 😂😂😂

"Only the Yankees would make the far superior player the back up plan," a fan commented.

Mike Ravioli

@AlSwearengen92

@FiresideYankees Only the Yankees would make the far superior player the back up plan

"Why the hell is Kyle Tucker the backup when he’s the better player and would be better for the long terms," a fan stated.

JayJay

@DeadAssFacts1

@FiresideYankees Why the hell is Kyle Tucker the backup when he’s the better player and would be better for the long terms

"Imagine the better player being the back up plan lol. Unserious organization," a fan added.

John

@tiz71

@FiresideYankees Imagine the better player being the back up plan lol. Unserious organization

Both players have their own positives, but three factors could lead to Tucker's higher value. Firstly, the former Astros All-Star has been consistent with a 4.6 bWAR in his last five seasons. Secondly, Tucker will head into his age-29 season, and thirdly, he had a higher On-Base Percentage, Slugging Percentage, barrel rate and walk rate than his competitor.

Meanwhile, Bellinger has had ups and downs in recent years and is expected to turn 31 in July. But with him, teams have the option of shuffling around their outfield. Tucker only played in right field, whereas Bellinger played at least 41 games in all three outfield positions while getting some time at first base.

MLB insider reasons why Yankees are so certain about Cody Bellinger

Cody Bellinger hit at .302 at Yankee Stadium with 18 home runs and 55 RBIs. Compared to that, he only hit at .241 with 11 home runs and 43 RBIs on the road. According to MLB Network's Mark Feinsand on Thursday, the Bombers want Bellinger back to leverage more out of him at home.

“The Yankees want Bellinger back,” Feinsand said. “You look at what he did at Yankee Stadium this year … he just owns that ballpark. It was perfect for his swing.”

MLB Network

@MLBNetwork

"I don't think this is a foregone conclusion that he goes back to the Yankees, but they're certainly going to give it a try..." @Feinsand breaks down Cody Bellinger's market.

Feinsand stated that the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers are their biggest contenders. The Yankees had a payroll of $304 million in 2025, but it was lower than their two competitiors.