Cody Bellinger gave the New York Yankees exactly what they needed in 2025: a middle-order lefty who played all three outfield spots (and first) and posted.272/29/98 with an.813 OPS—his best overall value since 2019. He declined his $25M option to test the market, but reporting points to mutual interest in a return.
Why Bellinger Works For New York
Bellinger is a clean roster fit with Aaron Judge.
If New York re-signs him, there’s no draft-pick cost.
His market projections are at five to six years in the mid-to-upper $ 20 million AAV range. Structurally, a front-loaded deal with an early opt-out pays for his best seasons and protects the back end.
It comes with some risk.
Bellinger turns 31 in July 2026 and profiles safer in the corners than in center field per FanGraphs/Baseball Savant defensive trends, so there's moderate risk if asked to carry center full-time.
Younger Star, Heavier Lift with Tucker
Kyle Tucker is expected to receive and decline a qualifying offer from the Chicago Cubs. Signing him would cost the Yankees a draft pick. He’ll be 29 in January 2026, brings left-handed thump with on-base and 20/20 ability (.266/.377/.464, 22 HR, 25stolen bases in 136 games in 2025). That profile projects decade-long revenues in the $360–$400 million range (market estimate). Tucker lengthens the Yankees’ window with Judge and gives them a set-and-forget corner anchor with peak seasons still ahead.
The Bill Comes Due
With the 2026 Competitive Balance Tax set at $244 million, a Tucker deal likely pushes New York into surcharge territory or forces heavy back-loading; either way, it’s a multi-year tax commitment.
Bellinger would only cost cash if re-signed by New York; they would not lose prospects. He also gives manager Aaron Boone more defensive flexibility. He can cover all three outfield spots and first base.
Tucker would cost the Yankees not only money but draft picks. He’s an everyday corner outfielder and power slugger who raises the lineup ceiling immediately.
Verdict
If Hal Steinbrenner wants star certainty for the next era, Tucker is the right move—even with the tax and term bite. If the Yankees prefer premium flexibility, preserve picks, and manage AAV year-to-year, a front-loaded Bellinger reunion with an early opt-out makes more sense.
Given Steinbrenner’s current payroll posture, the slight lean is now towards Bellinger, then pursue a second bat via trade if the price is reasonable.