WILL SANTA DELIVER CODY BELLINGER TO THE YANKEES THIS WEEK?

This has been such a lackluster holiday season for Yankee fans so far. While the Mets continue to sign ghosts of Yankees past we sit around waiting for something exciting to happen. Something besides Yankees signing minor league castoffs...because that's all we have right now.

That could all change IF we could get Cody Bellinger back. But Cody's rumor mill has more ups and downs in it than I can even keep up with these days. No one really understands what his asking price is, and that became even more obvious when Yankees insider Jack Curry made an appearance Yankees Hot Stove on YES Network.

It's no secret Cody wants a multi-year deal with high annual value, and since he has Scott Boras as his agent that's exactly the kinds of deals he gets for his clients. The Yankees want Cody back but....there has been zero traction. According to NJ.com HERE, NO TEAM, has come close to the asking price for Cody. That could be good news for us....but that could be bad as well.

Back in November, MLB Trade Rumors posted their predictions for free agent signings, with Cody's prediction of 5 years and $140 million. The Mets and the Dodgers are in the mix for Cody, and we all know the Dodgers have no problems spending big money with deferrals and Steve Cohen threw his money around last winter only to not make the playoffs. He's looking to rebound this season.

If Cody's market isn't hopping right now, teams have plenty of time to wait and let it develop. With Kyle Tucker in the mix, Boras will likely want to see what he signs for to set the market and then let it play out from there. While we may be in a hurry for traction, we could be waiting a while for resolution. 

At this point, the Yankees really need to make some moves. If the Yankees don't make some moves and our rivals get stronger it's going to be a disaster. The Yankees were one of nine teams to surpass the $241 million base threshold and now have to pay $61.8 million in luxury tax penalties now. The Mets and Dodgers have a lot more to pay than that and they are not shying away from spending money....so I guess we will wait and see just how cheap Hal Steinbrenner is.

The outfield is an area of need for the Yankees. I've already said this before but the Yankees have Spencer Jones and Jasson Dominguez as backup options and neither of those are good enough. We've already seen Dominguez and Jones has struggled enough that he just made it to Triple-A this season....and he''' be 25 years old in May.  

Is Brian Cashman even working? It doesn't feel like it. I was really hoping for Cody under the tree this winter. It doesn't sound like he will be here for Christmas but I will still be happy if he's in pinstripes by Spring Training.

We really need some holiday magic around here...

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

COULD SANDY ALCANTARA BE A YANKEE SOON?

Would the Yankees ever grow a spine, sack up, and actually trade for Sandy Alcantara? You remember that rumor, right? It was the hot, steamy, headline-dominating fling of last offseason… then it popped back up at the deadline like an ex who “just wants to talk.” And what happened? Nothing. Zip. Classic Yankees.

Part of the holdup is the Marlins convincing themselves they’re “competitive.” Sure. And I’m a Gold Glove second baseman. Miami, sweethearts, you don’t have a chance. It's adorable that you think you do, but no — you don’t.

Now here’s where it gets fun: Sandy Alcantara is exactly the kind of pitcher the Yankees pretend they’re bold enough to go get. He’s built for the Bronx. Power arm, bulldog attitude, and he’s proven he can carry a staff. But for a trade like that to happen, the Yankees would need to… brace yourself… sack up and move Anthony Volpe. Yes. I said it. Yes. I will die on this hill.

Package Volpe, add a couple minor leaguers, get Sandy, and call it a day. But will they? No. Because the Yankees are desperate to fix their mistake instead of admitting they made one. Volpe is the IKEA dresser with three missing screws — you keep trying to force it together while pretending it’s “fine.” Spoiler alert: it’s not. Volpe is trash, they picked wrong, and the scout who pushed that decision should be told to kick rocks in cheap cleats.

Anyway, back to sanity.

MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM dropped this on November 30 where former GM Jim Bowden said he thinks Alcantara to the Yankees is legit.

“I also think Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins has a legitimate shot of getting traded to the New York Yankees... I know they’ve had a lot of discussions; I think if the Yankees decided they would give up Spencer Jones—think of this for a minute—they trade Spencer Jones for Alcantara.”

Bowden is great when you need entertainment. Sometimes he even makes sense. But then he spirals into fantasyland, like when he insists the Yankees need Kyle Tucker. Buddy… if the Yankees re-sign Bellinger, that conversation ends. Full stop. Bellinger is the better fit in that scenario, period.

And Spencer Jones? Really? The Yankees waited two years for this kid to turn into a skyscraper that plays baseball, and Bowden wants to ship him off like an unwanted houseplant? Calm down, Jim. There are other creative paths to Alcantara that don’t involve gutting the future.

Nick Deeds from MLB Trade Rumors threw some ice water on everything, writing on November 28 that the Marlins expect to keep Alcantara:

“Alcantara, in particular, is someone that the organization ‘expects’ to still be in Miami on Opening Day.”

Deeds isn’t wrong — Sandy won a Cy Young in 2022, and even though he posted a 5.36 ERA over 31 starts last season, the Marlins aren’t going to sell low unless they absolutely lose their minds. And honestly? That’s fine. Rumor season is rumor season. Wake me up when someone actually does something.

But here’s the reality: the Yankees absolutely must upgrade their pitching. Mandatory. Required. Non-negotiable. Getting Max Fried was beautiful — chef’s kiss — but the rotation isn’t done. Not even close.

We can’t keep pretending Luis Gil is going to throw 180 innings without exploding. We can’t assume Cam Schlittler’s 2025 wasn’t a cosmic fluke. And we definitely can’t stroll into the season thinking, “Eh, good enough.”

WE. NEED. ONE. MORE. STARTER.

And Alcantara?
Yeah, he’s the guy.

Stay tuned — or more accurately, stay angry.

MAKE BELLINGER THE PRIORITY, THE REST WILL FOLLOW

Yankees fans aren’t just waiting for Cody Bellinger — they’re practically standing on the Bronx sidewalks holding cardboard signs that say “COME HOME, CODY.” Let me rephrase that with the appropriate urgency:

I want Cody Bellinger back. It’s non-negotiable. Essential. Mandatory. Life-support-level important.

But will we actually get him? Cashman opened his mouth and, in classic Cashman form, somehow managed to talk for a full minute while revealing absolutely nothing.

His quote (courtesy of the New York Post) boiled down to:

“Like anything else, there are certain salary levels that we’ll tag out at... That’s yet to be determined. But we’ve driven hard to get things done at times. We’ve driven hard and still not gotten things done because the markets … they go on and on and on and places you never expected. So you just don’t know how free agency’s going to work. So that’s why it’s so important for me to do what I’m always doing — what all GMs are doing — which is engaging your fellow GMs and the agents.”

Translation: The man said a whole paragraph and not one useful sentence.

Still, there’s no getting around it — Bellinger matters to this team. And no, we do not need Kyle Tucker. We don’t need to overthink this. Bellinger checks every box: pop in the bat, athleticism, defensive versatility, actual vibes, and the uncanny ability to look like he just rolled out of bed and still hit 29 bombs with 98 RBIs in his first season here. He played all three outfield spots, filled in at first base, and made it all look easy.

But of course… the Boras Factor.

According to NJ.com, Yankee ownership is preparing for a marathon negotiation with Scott Boras, which sounds about as fun as a root canal performed by a raccoon. One executive (whose team isn’t even in on Bellinger) put it perfectly:

“When you negotiate with Scott, you’re not in control. You’re just flying in his plane, hoping he doesn’t land you in a cornfield.”

And honestly? Same. I cannot stand Boras. If you watched the A-Rod documentary, you saw how he practically took a baseball icon and ran his career into a wall. The man negotiates like he’s trying to buy Monaco, not get a player a contract.

This is why I keep thinking:

Wouldn’t it be refreshing if Bellinger just pulled Boras aside and said, “Look, I like New York. My dad played here. This all fits. Don’t turn this into a sci-fi saga”?

Sure would.

And it’s not like Bellinger has been shy about liking the Yankees. He called the team fun, praised the clubhouse, and said wearing the uniform was “unbelievable.” He basically waved a neon sign that read I Wouldn’t Mind Staying.

So what happens now? Time — and Boras’s mood swings — will decide. But the Yankees would be foolish not to prioritize this. If Cashman can somehow avoid tripping over his own shoelaces and actually bring Bellinger back on a reasonable deal, the rest of the offseason could click right into place. Including the top-tier starting pitcher they desperately need.

And while we’re at it… if someone could please locate a shortstop who isn’t the human migraine known as Volpe?

Yeah. I’ll take that too.

SPENCER JONES BELONGS ON THE YANKEES BIG TEAM

Where does Spencer Jones fit in this carnival of Yankee outfield chaos? That’s the million-dollar question… or in Yankee terms, the $300 million question they’ll somehow spend on the wrong guy and still manage to start the season with some rando batting .147 in center.

Everyone and their barber shop seems convinced Kyle Tucker is the answer. Sure, he’s great—he also costs a small country. Then you’ve got Aaron Judge, the guy literally dragging the offense around like a sack of bricks while Brian Cashman sits in his office pretending he discovered analytics in a Cracker Jack box.

And now there’s this “Cody Bellinger reunion tour” chatter. Wonderful. Love Belli. Great defender. Leader. Cheaper than Tucker. Fans adore him. Which of course means Cashman will probably ignore him completely and instead sign someone who just hit .209 with “upside.”

But let’s get to the real story here: Spencer. Freaking. Jones.

The kid is putting up great numbers in the minors while the Yankees act like promoting prospects is some kind of state secret. Jones hit .274 with 35 homers and 29 steals across Double-A and Triple-A. Nineteen of those bombs came in just 67 games at Scranton. That’s not a prospect—that’s a warning label.

Cashman even praised him at the GM Meetings, which was adorable. He said Jones will “come to spring training with a chance to win a starting job.”

Translation: We have no plan, we never have a plan, and if we accidentally trip into a plan we will bench it in favor of a 34-year-old with a strained hamstring.

Cashman’s quotes—“He’s put himself in the conversation… depends on how our winter plays out… he’s earned a look”—are classic Yankee GM babble. The man says a lot of words that somehow mean absolutely nothing. It’s like listening to someone describe a sandwich they never actually made.

Because here’s the truth: if Cashman signs a couple of expensive outfield toys, Spencer Jones is going right back to Triple-A, where he’ll hit another 20 homers and wonder why the Yankees even bother pretending they have a farm system.

Why do we hype these prospects if we’re just going to shove them back into Scranton until they grow a mustache like Matt Carpenter?

This shouldn’t even be a debate. Jones is ranked the Yankees’ No. 4 prospect, No. 99 overall in baseball, and every scout with functioning eyesight believes he can handle center field. He even played the corners last year just to show off how versatile he is. If Grisham leaves—and he should ( I feel like it's time)—Jones should walk into camp as the obvious candidate for center.

And yes, Grisham had his moments, but it’s time to move on. Lovely glove. Good dude. But we’re done.

So here’s the blueprint in my opinion, and it’s not rocket science:

Bring up Spencer Jones.
Re-sign Cody Bellinger.
Grab a couple backups.
Stop overthinking everything like you’re defusing a bomb.

I cannot believe the Yankees have turned this into a puzzle. This is not a puzzle. This is easy. 

What in the actual hell is the Yankees front office doing?

Oh right—whatever makes the least sense.

IS THE TRENT GRISHAM QUALIFYING OFFER AS CRAZY AS IT LOOKS?

I did not have the "Yankees extend Trent Grisham a qualifying offer" on my 2025 bingo card this season. This idea was basically crazy and unthinkable coming into this season. Then Grisham had a career season and here we are, talking about a $22 million qualifying offer the Yankees just made. Baseball is a crazy game.

Grisham doesn't have to decide if he wants to take the Yankees offer until November 18th. So we get to sit and think about all of the "what ifs" and ponder the pros and cons, but Michael Kay doesn't need time. He already knows that he hates the idea, he spoke about it on his show HERE. 
"If you are grossly overpaying for a player, that means that's money you can't spend somewhere else. It's not an unlimited budget," Kay said. "So there is such a thing as a bad one-year contract if it inhibits you from doing other things that said year."

We all know Hal Steinbrenner has been vocal about how the increasing budget isn't sustainable over the past few years but, in the grand scheme of things it's $22 million. It is not an amount that would cripple the Yankees. It could actually give some more insurance. I still think the Yankees are going to be more cautious with Aaron Judge. They didn't want him testing his arm too much in the outfield in the playoffs. The Yankees say he does not need surgery over the winter but again it is the Yankees and their medical staff is terrible. If Grisham accepts, he is insurance in the outfield in case Kyle Tucker doesn't sign here and Cody Bellinger decides to take another offer. It also gives the Yankees time to decide how they want to approach Jasson Dominguez and the million dollar question of what are the Yankees going to do with Spencer Jones? Are they going to commit to giving him a chance at some point this season or trade him? 

The Yankees say Bellinger is a top priority for them, and I think it is. I still think $22 million won't change how they approach their desire to get Bellinger back in the Bronx. He still fits in our outfield, and long term, he is great insurance at first base which we need. I've seen several media outlets talk about both sides. Several say if Grisham comes back, Bellinger is gone and I don't agree. Tucker is going to cost the Yankees more. If Grisham impacts the Yankees willingness to spend on anyone, it's more likely to be Tucker.

This could also be pure strategy on the Yankees part. Grisham just had a career year. As much as the Yankees still struggled with fundamentals this season, they still hit milestones under Yankees hitting coach James Rowson including a Silver Slugger team award. These are accomplishments that mid-tier teams that are trying to upgrade their teams look for. He could be an attractive piece to several teams and the idea of giving Grisham a three plus year deal may not be attractive to them now that teams would have to surrender a draft pick to sign him.

I think the Yankees are playing strategy here. They are trying to capitalize on Grisham's career year. Do I think he takes the offer? Probably not. Historically, players prefer for a multi-year deal instead of a one year deal that could have serious implications if they have a bad year. There's also a shutdown looing with the new CBA expiring at the end of next season, so the security of a multi-year deal would be appealing.

If Grisham walks away, I won't freak out. At least we will get compensation pick in the 2026 draft. I'm not gonna stress about this move, it's too early in the offseason to start freaking out just yet.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

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.

IS KYLE TUCKER REALLY ON THE YANKEES RADAR?

It’s wild to think we’re getting into the Yankees’ season already, and yet... it still feels like we’re just now getting started. I’ll be honest—despite the excitement of that recent home run-filled weekend and all the buzz around the torpedo bats, this season feels strangely dull in my opinion. Maybe you feel differently, but for me, it’s been a bit of a snooze.

Let’s be real: this isn’t a dominant Yankees team. We’re not storming out of the gate with a 14–0 record or anything close to it. We're average. Middling. Just okay. And honestly, that’s exactly what I expected coming in.

Sure, seeing new faces like Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger in pinstripes is cool, and it gave the offseason a nice jolt of energy. The trades, the free agent buzz, the endless speculation—it was the best part of the winter. But the actual games? Meh.

Now, the rumor mill keeps churning, and the latest name thrown into the Yankees orbit is Kyle Tucker. According to Kevin Hickey over at The Sporting News, there’s some speculation about a potential connection between the Yankees and Tucker. Will anything come of it? Who knows. It honestly feels like another story designed to rack up clicks. Isn’t that what most of them are?

Here’s what The Sporting News had to say: “The New York Yankees will have a handful of needs to address following the campaign, and they're expected to be in the market for a superstar slugger.”

Then The Athletic jumped in, noting that Tucker could command upwards of $40 million a year—a price point the Yankees already proved they’re willing to hit after offering Juan Soto $47.5 million AAV. So yeah, it wouldn’t be shocking if they took a run at Tucker in free agency.

But honestly, the more pressing issue for this team right now is pitching. Pitching wins championships, and outside of Max Fried—who’s been the rock of the rotation—I don’t feel all that confident. Gerrit Cole being sidelined still stings. Carlos Rodón has been up and down, and the bullpen is anything but steady.

So why is Kyle Tucker even the conversation right now? It’s a head-scratcher. Maybe it's just the usual silly-season chatter meant to stir the pot and generate headlines.

We’ll see what happens, but for now, this feels like a classic example of off-field noise trying to distract from on-field mediocrity. Just more smoke, not much fire.

I THINK CASHMAN IS TRYING TO SIGN A BIG NAME & I'M NOT DIGGING IT!

My coworkers tease me a lot and they tell me I have "spidey senses" often. Not sure why they call it that or if I agree with it BUT I do have this vibe that I can't seem to shake. Now that the Yankees have to move on to Plan C since they didn't get Kyle Tucker, I'm wondering if the Yankees are in deeper talks to sign Alex Bregman. 

My skin is crawling just thinking about it, because I can't stand Bregman. I've been vocal about it many times. I don't want his no integrity cheating arse in pinstripes. I will never change that opinion. However, if you look at what the Astros acquired when they gave up Tucker, it raises some eyebrows. The Cubs sent Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith to the Astros, who both play third base.

So looking deeper the Yankees traded away second base depth in Caleb Durbin so Cashman must have a plan, right? We know DJ LeMahieu can no longer be relied on for an everyday role, and Jazz Chisholm Jr can easily fill a need at second base.....but what about third? Before the Cubs and Astros completed their trade I thought there was a decent change Bregman stayed in Houston, but now that the Astros have two more options at third base who are cheaper a reunion between Bregman, and the Astros looks far less likely.

So, does Cashman's master plan include adding Bregman? It could. Defensively, he's a great pick up (he won a Gold Glove last season) and the Yankees desperately need to tighten up the defense, especially in the infield. Bregman had a 41-homer season in 2019 and hit 25 or more home runs four times. He's had four seasons of 90-plus RBI and even reached 100 twice. He's a career .272 hitter and never struck out 100 times in a season. The resume is impressive, but it is tainted by 2017 and even though some people tell me "that was a long time ago," it wasn't THAT long ago and it doesn't erase what happened. When you taint the game and disgrace it, that doesn't just fade away.

On paper, the Yankees and Bregman look to be a good match. I can't say I like it (I actually hate it), but it could be a fit. When you look at what Bregman's expectations are for a contract the Yankees have the means to give him what he wants. I just hope they don't give him what he wants.

This is one to keep an eye on....we should be hearing more about this and we aren't. We can credit the Cubs and Cody Bellinger for the distraction with their ongoing negotiations but this really COULD be a thing. I hope I am wrong, because the guy doesn't deserve to wear our uniform.....and you will never change my mind on that. EVER.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

I ADMIRE CASHMAN FOR BUILDING A BETTER TEAM, BUT THIS ONE I'M NOT FEELING

Let’s get this out of the way upfront: I’m not a huge fan of the idea of Alex Bregman joining the Yankees. Yes, the guy has been a Yankee killer for years, and yes, it would be poetic justice to have him hammering homers for us instead of against us. But the idea of Bregman—an Astro through and through—putting on the pinstripes just doesn’t sit right with me. That being said, I’ve got to hand it to Brian Cashman: he’s out here playing chess, not checkers, and his determination to upgrade this team has my full respect.

Let’s talk about what’s happening. Houston is stumbling when it comes to keeping Bregman around. They’ve offered him a massive six-year, $156 million deal—the largest in team history—but so far, no dice. Meanwhile, the Astros already dealt Kyle Tucker to the Cubs, and now the Yankees have entered the conversation, sniffing around for a bat to juice their offense.

Bregman’s numbers are solid. Sure, he got off to a slow start in 2024, but when it mattered most, he delivered—because that’s what Bregman does. He’s a consistent offensive force, a defensive stalwart at third, and a player who knows how to win. He’s the kind of guy who thrives in high-pressure situations.

So, why am I hesitant? It’s not his talent; it’s his baggage. Bregman was the face of the 2017 Astros—the team that cheated its way to a World Series. While some fans are willing to overlook that for the sake of winning, I’m not sure I can stomach seeing him celebrated in Yankee Stadium, a place built on tradition, integrity, and (mostly) clean victories.

Now, let’s shift to Cashman. I’ll admit, he’s taken his fair share of criticism in recent years—and I’ve been one of those critics. But right now, I have to tip my cap to him. Cashman is clearly on a mission this offseason, and he’s leaving no stone unturned in his quest to make the Yankees better.

“[Bregman’s] been a thorn in our side for years,” Cashman said recently. “Good players like him make a lot of money. I’ve had a conversation or two with Scott Boras with a lot of his clients, including Alex Bregman.” That’s the kind of aggressive mindset we need from the front office. Whether it’s Bregman, another slugger, or a sneaky under-the-radar move, Cashman’s eagerness to improve this team is refreshing—and it’s exactly what the Yankees need after falling short in 2024.

If the Yankees don’t land Bregman, he’s got other suitors. The Red Sox are hot on his trail, with manager Alex Cora and team president Sam Kennedy reportedly big fans. But Boston’s front office isn’t unanimous in its love for Bregman, which could create an opening for the Yankees to swoop in.

Detroit is also in the mix, but let’s be real—Detroit isn’t exactly the dream destination for a guy like Bregman. New York or Boston would clearly be the more appealing options, assuming the money’s right.

As much as I respect Cashman for exploring every avenue, I’m still not sold on the idea of Alex Bregman in pinstripes and it's definitely because of Cheat Gate.

That said, if Cashman pulls the trigger and brings Bregman to the Bronx, I’ll support the team like I always do. Winning cures a lot of ills, and who knows? Maybe Bregman, with his proven track record and big-game mentality, will win me over. Until then, I’m cautiously skeptical—but grateful that Cashman is doing everything in his power to get us back on top.

OUR YANKEES ARE IN HOT PURSUIT OF KYLE TUCKER!

The Yankees are moving on up in the world. The Yankees are actually trying to make a move that makes some sense for once. Teams are asking the Houston Astros about Kyle Tucker, and he's available. He's someone I'd love to see in the outfield more than I ever wanted Juan Soto (and no I am not bitter at all). The asking price is high though, and I just don't want another Soto repeat.

There's a lot to like about Tucker. He won a Gold Glove in 2022 and finished fifth for 2023 MVP when he hit 29 homeruns, stole 30 bases and hit 112 RBI's. Plus, he gives the Yankees another lefty bat that could do some serious damage in Yankee stadium. I could easily see 30+ homeruns in our ballpark. He's just a better overall player and that is exactly what the Yankees need....and the Astros know it.

That is why the Astros want Luis Gil included in any trade package, read more HERE. They are prioritizing MLB ready corner infielders and starting pitching if they move Tucker....so Rookie of the Year Gil is on their radar. Honestly, I can't blame them. Gil was impressive especially in the first half of the season and now that the Yankees have Max Fried, they know the Yankees have the ability to move some pitching. I wish they would take Carlos Rodon or Marcus Stroman but, that's a pipedream that will never happen.

My challenge with this idea is Tucker is a free agent at the end of next season. So here we are talking about a trade with another one-year rental. It stings more than it usually does because the Yankees gave up SEVEN prospects to get Soto and now, he's a Met. We just don't have a lot of higher caliber talent to give away on one-year rentals. It is one sure fire way to obliterate a team's farm system and I don't like the idea of doing it two years in a row. I understand a prospect is just an unproven body but it leaves the Yankees in a more vulnerable state long term. If we hadn't given up so many players on Soto I wouldn't be so concerned.

I've seen a lot of chatter about getting Tucker to sign an extension before including Gil. That sounds like a great idea, but it may not be realistic. Early predictions of what he would land for a new contract are between $300-$400 million. Considering Soto just exceeded his earliest $600 million projected contract, Tucker could easily test his own market at the end of the season and exceed his projected contract too.

At the end of the day, I really like the idea of Tucker in pinstripes. If the Astros are going to trade with the Yankees they are going to request a king's ransom....and I just don't know how I feel about including Gil right now without an extension. I'd like to avoid the burn of a one-year rental.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

THE ASSTROS REACHED A NEW LEVEL OF PATHETIC

What a nice, warm welcome for the ASSTROS, right? I mean, it couldn't happen to a more deserving team. Sure, there are only five guys on the ASTROS still from that 2017 cheating team, but they are the biggest lowlifes of them all. They deserve what they got and what is still to come.

There's no forgive and forget for these guys. Booing and heckling these guys was a long time in the making. I'm sure we've all seen the pictures and we know about all of the chants from the fans, and none of it was a surprise, but man some of the reactions from the Astros themselves have been the best parts for me.

First of all, why the hell is Kyle Tucker even opening his mouth? He's a 24-year old nobody who barely has a job but he sure threw himself in the spotlight on Tuesday before the game when he said, "Our job is to go out and play baseball and not worry about what the fans or anyone says, so that’s really what we’re focusing on." There's nothing wrong with that statement, but why was he even talking to the media anyway? He's a no-name, so it's no surprise why fans responded with the "We don't know you!" chant. This kid with his .183BA barely has a major league job and wasn't even around in 2017. He needed to blend into the background and just be thankful he wasn't stashed in the minors. Maybe he learned a lesson, we don't know you, Tucker....but you sure do know us.

And what about Dusty Baker's reaction? That was good too. He thought "the fans were extremely hard on Altuve tonight," Baker said HERE. "He's exerting a lot of effort, maybe too much effort." Nobody feels sorry for him. I doubt he expects anything different and he shouldn't. Altuve isn't remorseful and no one is throwing Jose Altuve a pity party. He exerted a lot of effort to cheat....at least let him exert a lot of energy at the plate and lose. 

But for ME, the best reaction came from Alex Cora! Have you seen THIS? He had a lot to say about the Astros treatment and I had to laugh.

"Yeah, I saw it. Obviously, it was interesting to say the least," Cora said. "What we did was wrong. Three people got suspended, another one (Carlos Beltran), he doesn't have a job in baseball. I still don't know how or why, because he was a player at that point. And then the guys, it's gonna be around them for a while. I know Dusty Baker made a good point, there's only what, four or five guys that played with us in 2017? But I mean, this is what we did and people are paying the price in different ways."

Now that he's got his job back with the Red Sox and he's ready to move on and hopefully forget it all....he knows "what we did was wrong." He should be counting his lucky stars that he got a second chance because he doesn't deserve it AT ALL. 

And at least he knows his turn is coming and he hasn't escaped any ridicule, either.
"It was a different atmosphere at Yankee Stadium with only 10,000 people, I can only imagine when they have 100 percent when the Red Sox are there," Cora said. "That'll be interesting. The fans, they're gonna remind us what we did and that's their right. You have to respect that." Cora better start preparing now for his June visit to the Bronx.

It's funny how Carlos Correa, Altuve and Alex Bregman had more to say when they were exposed as the dirty cheaters they are....but now they aren't talking. I'm sure they will have plenty to say when they leave Yankee stadium. I'm sure when we visit them in Houston they will have comments....but for now they are pansies.

This is what the Astros get. They didn't get punished by Rob Manfred, so now they can deal with the fans reactions and suck it up. The chants and the booing is far from over. Hey ASSTROS....you made your bed, now lie in it!

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

ASTROS COULD STEAL COLE OUT FROM UNDER US

Photo Credit: Getty Images / Justin K. Aller

The Yankees have been in a holding pattern when it comes to making a deal to land another pitcher to add to its growing roster.  But the World Champion Houston Astros could grab Pittsburgh's Gerrit Cole  out from under us as we hold out for the deal we want.

"Houston has engaged in talks with Pittsburgh about dealing the 27-year-old right hander, sources told Yahoo! Sports. One possible return in the trade would be outfielder Derek Fisher, with the website reporting that the Pirates would need right hander Forrest Whitley or outfielder Kyle Tucker "as a centerpiece," reported the NY Daily News late yesterday.

Source: USA Today

The Yankees have held their ground with Pittsburgh who is seeking Gleyber Torres as part of the Cole deal.  Thankfully, the Yankees aren't interested in dealing Torres who could be our regular second or third baseman come the spring.

"Torres has a tool set that makes talent evaluators drool. At 6-foot-1, 175 pounds with a strong arm and athleticism, he projects to hit around .300 with above-average pop and has the ability to play shortstop, second base and third base at a high level — though there are some in the organization who think he’ll be best used at second or third," reported NJ.com back in late November. Let Pittsburgh drool all they want.  They are not getting Torres.  He's not for sale.

Source: NJ.com 

Brian Cashman has been consistently demonstrated that the new Yankees are "careful buyers" and "stressed the need to be disciplined."  He has been following this mantra of "trust the process" through his leadership of a Yankee team "with a youthful eye toward the future," reported Newsday back in July before the then trade deadline. 

So, the Pirates could deal with the Astros and that has to be alight with us.  We are not giving up the farm for a hunch, because at the end of the day is Gerrit Cole really worth it?

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof