The Yankees are still feeling the blow of losing Juan Soto to the Mets. And this season has made it clear that they need a left-handed hitter to accompany Aaron Judge and restore balance to the offense. That’s why in the Bronx, there are already rumors that the front office is preparing an all-out offensive in the winter market.
The name on the table is a big one: Kyle Tucker, the star of the Chicago Cubs. A slugger whom Jim Bowden described as “the highest-paid free agent of this generation” and whose contract could range from $500 million to $650 million
A bidding war on the horizon
“Yankees won’t want to lose another bidding war like they did with Juan Soto. This time they’re going to go all the way against the Cubs, and I think in the end New York will win the bidding war,” said MLB analyst Jim Riley
The internal rivalry in the East Division is not far behind: the Red Sox could also join the fray, adding pressure and fuel to an already explosive market.
Dodgers on the road?
The other big obstacle has a name: the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report, the Angels’ plan would be to rearrange their infield and make room for Tucker in right field. With Mookie Betts installed at shortstop and Andy Pages established, the adjustments would be to move Tommy Edman to third base and decline Max Muncy’s contract option
Yankees, forced to respond
The reality is that, although this year New York clings to the first wild card thanks to signings such as Max Fried, Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams, the feeling is that the team is not as intimidating as last season. That opens the door to a strong move, one that changes the narrative: the arrival of Tucker.
With his left-handed bat, .270 average and ability to produce in key moments, the Cubs outfielder is exactly what the Yankees need. And while the Dodgers may dream of him, all signs point to the Bronx doing what they have always known how to do: use their deep pockets.
Read the full article here
