TUCKER ON THE RADAR, BUT I WANT BELLINGER BACK!

The Yankees allegedly need an upgrade when it comes to players. But let’s be honest—my definition of an “upgrade” starts with firing Aaron Boone, Brian Cashman, and that overcaffeinated analytics department that treats baseball like it’s a spreadsheet instead of a sport. Still, even in the middle of all that front-office nonsense, the Yankees need a better team on the field in 2026.

Enter Kyle Tucker—a name that’s got the baseball world buzzing. The 28-year-old lefty slugger has quietly become one of the most complete players in the game. He’s hit at least 22 homers in each of the past five seasons, earned four All-Star nods, a Gold Glove in 2022, and a Silver Slugger in 2023. Oh, and he finished fifth in AL MVP voting in 2023 after leading the league with 112 RBIs. Not bad for a guy who’d make the short porch in Yankee Stadium his personal playground.

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden threw some gasoline on the rumor fire, writing, “Tucker’s left-handed swing would play great at Yankee Stadium and his speed would be an important added element to the Yankees lineup.” He’s not wrong. Tucker checks every box the Yankees pretend they’re looking for—youth, power, defense, and actual athleticism. But let’s not kid ourselves: prying him away would cost north of $400 million, and that’s assuming Brian Cashman doesn’t faint at the idea of spending real money on a player in his prime instead of on another “bargain depth piece.”

Sure, the Dodgers make sense too, but that’s because they always make sense. The Yankees? They’re too busy debating launch angles in a dark conference room somewhere while Hal Steinbrenner checks his profit margins.

If you ask me, I don’t see the Yankees chasing Tucker. Cashman will probably do what he always does—find the cheaper option and call it a “smart baseball move.” That means re-signing Cody Bellinger or keeping Trent Grisham, both of whom are likely to be popular targets this offseason. And honestly? I’d take Bellinger back in a heartbeat. The guy did everything the Yankees needed from him—and the fans actually like him, which is a rare feat in the Bronx these days.

Bellinger fits this team perfectly. He’s got power from the left side, plays Gold Glove-caliber defense, and brings that versatility the Yankees love to talk about but never know how to use. He can play all three outfield spots and first base, which makes him exactly the kind of flexible weapon you want in a “win-now” lineup. The guy delivers in big moments, keeps strikeouts low, and doesn’t wilt under pressure.

The real problem isn’t the players—it’s the system. The Yankees’ analytics department ties these guys up in so many “data-driven” restrictions that it’s a miracle anyone remembers how to swing freely. Boone just nods and follows orders, and it shows.

As Bellinger heads into free agency, the Yankees have a lot to think about—Trent Grisham’s role, the development of Jasson Domínguez, and what to do with Spencer Jones. Bellinger’s market will be fierce, with the Mets, Phillies, and Dodgers sniffing around. But if the Yankees were smart—and that’s a big if—they’d make Bellinger a top priority.

He’s proven, he’s loved, and he fits. Which, of course, probably means Cashman will pass. Because in Yankee-land these days, common sense is the one stat that never gets used.