Yankees Connected to Top Pitcher and All-Star Hitter in Major Acquisition

The New York Yankees are likely to make notable adjustments this offseason, though the full scope of their plans is still uncertain. Re-signing Cody Bellinger appears to be their main objective. However, if Bellinger chooses another team, the Yankees could turn their attention to Kyle Tucker. Despite Tucker being widely regarded as the more talented player, he comes with higher costs, including draft picks and international bonus pool restrictions, making Bellinger the safer, more familiar choice.

Tucker is reportedly being considered as a contingency plan if Bellinger signs elsewhere. Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden has suggested that New York could sign Tucker and still pursue a trade for Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara. The strategy hinges on using top outfield prospect Spencer Jones as a trade asset to help acquire Alcantara.

If the Yankees were willing to part with Spencer Jones, they could sign Kyle Tucker in free agency and then trade Jones for Alcantara, Bowden explained on MLB Network Radio.

Alcantara's 2025 stats might appear underwhelming, with a 5.36 ERA, but he was returning from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for all of 2024. In the latter half of the season, he excelled, posting a 7-3 record with a 3.33 ERA and 1.040 WHIP over 83.2 innings. He completed at least six innings in 11 starts and went seven frames seven times. Alcantara, who won the unanimous NL Cy Young in 2022 with a 2.28 ERA and 0.980 WHIP, has proven to be one of baseballs elite pitchers when healthy, making him a strong fit for an already formidable Yankees rotation.

Adding Tucker would also boost the Yankees' lineup. The four-time All-Star boasts a career .865 OPS, offering a significant offensive upgrade. Previously, New York has been reluctant to trade Spencer Jones, but signing Tucker might provide the incentive to include the 24-year-old in a deal, especially with Jasson Dominguez on the roster.

Author: Sophia Brooks