New York Yankees are once again making headlines in the MLB offseason as they prepare to make a monumental move to strengthen their roster. After failing to retain Juan Soto last winter, reports now suggest the Yankees are ready to go all-in for one of the league’s top talents—Kyle Tucker.
New York Yankees eeady to make a statement signing
According to MLB analyst Anthony Franco of MLBTradeRumors, the Yankees are expected to be leading contenders in the race to sign Tucker, who is widely regarded as the most sought-after free agent this winter. Franco predicts the Yankees could secure Tucker on an 11-year deal worth an estimated $400 million, a contract that would rank among the most lucrative in franchise history.
“He’s entering his age-29 season,” the article noted. “An 11-year deal would take him through age 39, the same age at which Judge’s nine-year contract concludes. Guerrero, Soto, Xander Bogaerts and Trea Turner all got paid through 40.”
“Tucker doesn’t have the up-the-middle defensive profile of Bogaerts or Turner, but he’s clearly a better hitter. Over the past five seasons, he ranks 11th among qualified batters in both OBP and slugging percentage. He’s likely to remain 35–40% better than league average at the plate for the next few years.”
Kyle Tucker’s All-Star Pedigree
Tucker’s credentials speak for themselves. The 28-year-old outfielder is a four-time MLB All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner. His contributions to the Houston Astros’ 2022 World Series championship cemented his status as one of baseball’s premier offensive threats. Known for his consistency and power, Kyle Tucker would bring a dynamic left-handed presence to the New York Yankees’ lineup—a factor that has been missing in recent years.
A perfect fit in the Bronx
If the deal goes through, Tucker could become the long-term replacement for Cody Bellinger, should the latter depart in free agency. His elite offensive production—ranking among the top 15 hitters in on-base and slugging percentages over the last five seasons—would significantly bolster the Yankees’ batting order alongside Aaron Judge.
Franco added that despite Kyle Tucker receiving and rejecting a qualifying offer, the associated draft compensation “doesn’t matter much for free agents of this caliber.” The New York Yankees, along with the Dodgers, Blue Jays, and Phillies, are all expected to make a strong push, but New York’s aggressive spending history gives them a clear edge.