Coming off a disappointing 2025 season, the New York Yankees are expected to be quite busy this winter. The Bronx Bombers' outfield has been identified as an area that needs significant improvement.As a result, New York has been linked to Kyle Tucker, who is widely considered the No.1 free agent of the offseason. Tucker finished the 2025 season with a .266 batting average, 22 home runs and 73 RBIs, helping the Chicago Cubs get to the postseason, while earning his fourth All-Star selection and second Silver Slugger award in the process. Despite Tucker's glittering reputation, however, insider Brian Murphy of MLB.com believes re-signing Cody Bellinger, who already established himself as a a fan-favorite in the Bronx with his performances in 2025, may be the best course of action for the Pinstripers. "A reunion with Bellinger just makes so much sense," Murphy wrote on Thursday. "Bellinger's athleticism and versatility are just as important, if not more so, than his bat for the Yankees. His ability to play all three outfield positions as well as first base gives the Yanks that much more flexibility."With him back in the fold, New York can keep Aaron Judge in right field and let Bellinger and Grisham handle the duties in center. That's a key reason why Bellinger is a better fit than Kyle Tucker, the offseason's No. 1 free agent. Yes, the Yankees will kick the tires on Tucker, who is 18 months younger than Bellinger. But he is limited to a corner-outfield spot. Plus, his price tag is likely to be much higher."Chicago White Sox v New York Yankees - Source: GettyYankees GM Brian Cashman has previously expressed his desire to re-sign Cody BellingerIn a press conference held on October 16, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman took questions on a multitude of topics, one of them being the future of Cody Bellinger.Though he admitted formal contract negotiations were yet to begin, Cashman disclosed that he would "love" to have the outfielder back in the Bronx next year."He was really impactful for us, no question about it," Cashman said. (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.” Cody Bellinger is projected to land a contract in the range of $160 million this winter.