The New York Yankees are always linked to the top players whenever they become available. Whether it's a free agent or a trade target, the Yankees are seemingly always involved.
It's a similar scenario for top free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker.
The Yankees have been linked to Tucker at various points this offseason, as the departure of Cody Bellinger opens up a spot for the former Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs star. However, according to a report from MLB.com's Bryan Hoch, the Yankees' interest in Tucker got a significant update.
And unfortunately for Yankees fans interested in Tucker, it's some bad news.
Yankees' interest in Kyle Tucker isn't as strong as expected
"Speculation about Kyle Tucker (also a lefty) continues," Hoch reports, "but there doesn't seem to be much smoke.
"Despite Tucker being a Tampa, Fla. Resident, the team has not hosted him to tour its facilities, as the Blue Jays recently did at their Dunedin, Fla. Complex."
The Yankees could've made a stronger push to bring Tucker to their own Florida facilities, as the Toronto Blue Jays did, but with the Yankees not doing so, along with the report that there's not much smoke, a Tucker and Yankees deal doesn't look likely.
There's still plenty of time for things to change, but at this point in the offseason, the Yankees and Tucker don't look headed to a marriage in free agency.
MORE: Yankees 'Plan B' if Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger sign elsewhere revealed
While it's a little far-fetched for the Yankees to not have interest in Tucker for fear of a lefty-heavy lineup, that little wrinkle does have an impact on free agent decisions.
Re-signing Bellinger is different, as he's shown the ability to hit lefties for the Yankees, and the familiarity there makes a contract offer a lot more feasible.
This report on Tucker and the Yankees is bad news for any fans who wanted Brian Cashman to dish out a massive deal this winter to Tucker.
While there will continue to be a link between Tucker and the Yankees, for now, such a contract doesn't look likely, according to this report from Hoch.
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