Kyle Tucker is the biggest bat in the free-agent market this winter, and that is like catnip to the New York Yankees and their fans. Just 28 years old and with a powerful left-handed swing, he is the type of player the Bronx dreams on.
But does Tucker’s price, in payroll space and because he has the qualifying offer-tag potential prospects, really fit the Yankees' needs this winter?
In 2025, despite injuries, Tucker continued to produce.
He slashed.266/.377/.464 with 22 homers, 73 RBI and 25 steals in 136 games. In June, he had a hand fracture that he played through, and in September, it was a calf issue. It was the second year that Tucker was hindered by injury, raising some eyebrows.
For his career, however, Tucker still boasts an impressive slash line of.273/.358/.507 with 147 homers, 490 RBI and 119 steals. The only real pause button on the résumé is the injuries, which include the 2024 right-shin fracture that cost him three months.
For the Yankees, there is some math to work out in outfield opportunity and cost.
They’ve already extended a qualifying offer to Trent Grisham after his 34-homer breakout, and Cody Bellinger, who proved he can play in pinstripes and carries no QO tax, is right there as a cleaner, more flexible roster fit. The Yankees outfield already includes Aaron Judge, Jasson Dominguez, and the incoming Spencer Jones. Tucker offers the higher offensive peak and steady corner defense. Bellinger offers the versatility to back up Ben Rice at first base and zero draft cost.
Tucker is projected to nab a contract in the $350-$500 million range by different outlets. The Yankees' payroll is already committed to $244 million without the potential $22.025 million to Grisham if he accepts the qualifying offer. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has openly questioned the sustainability of payrolls exceeding $300 million.
The market will be crowded with heavyweights who can absorb both contract size and draft penalties. Multiple previews peg the Dodgers and Giants at or near the front, with the Yankees firmly in the mix; other outlets have also floated the Cubs, Phillies, Blue Jays and Padres among logical pursuers. If bidding tilts Hollywood-high, New York has to decide whether Tucker’s prime-year thump is worth passing on the cheaper (and familiar) Bellinger route.
