Yankees urged by former MLB GM to make $427 million Kyle Tucker decision

Matt Sullivan

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Yankees urged by former MLB GM to make $427 million Kyle Tucker decision image

The New York Yankees are, unsurprisingly, involved in the free agent market for top outfielder Kyle Tucker. With Cody Bellinger also a free agent, an outfield addition is a big need for the Yankees.

But when it comes to a potential deal for Tucker, it's not going to be cheap. The Yankees have been rumored to be conservative with their payroll this offseason, which could have them reluctant to spend big on someone like Tucker.

But, former MLB GM Jim Bowden believes the Yankees should spend the money needed to land Tucker. For a recent piece in The Athletic, Bowden urged the Yankees to make a huge $427 million decision with Tucker this winter.

Former MLB GM urges Yankees, Kyle Tucker to make $427 million pact

"Kyle Tucker to the New York Yankees for 10 years, $427 million," Bowden noted as the first free agent signing he wants to see this offseason.

Tucker coming to New York would be a great fit, as an outfield with Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, and Tucker would be a fantastic setup for the Yankees going forward.

But, with the Yankees' reluctance to spend big this winter, this contract might be too much for the Yankees to commit to this offseason.

Bowden has an alternative viewpoint: "That contract may seem like a lot of money, but think about it this way - it's a savings of $338 million over what Juan Soto was paid last offseason."

More: How Yankees' Cody Bellinger decision could lead to big trade rumors

Losing Soto was a big blow to the Yankees, and while they added Bellinger to fill his spot in 2025, the former Los Angeles Dodgers MVP is now a free agent.

With a clear need in the outfield, adding Tucker, even if it's an expensive deal like this one proposed by Bowden, is a move the Yankees should seriously consider.

While there have been rumors of the Yankees being conservative this winter, Tucker would be one of only a few players worth breaking the bank for.

A $427 million deal over 10 years won't be cheap, but in adding Tucker, the Yankees would be making the most of the World Series window through Judge. Wasting those seasons would be a major mistake, and Tucker could help avoid such a scenario.

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News Correspondent