The New York Yankees could be making a splashy move in the coming weeks of MLB free agency. Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly offered predictions for the top 25 free agents.
It is a mix of good and bad news for Yankees fans. Star outfielder Cody Bellinger is predicted to bolt the Yankees for the team’s crosstown rival New York Mets. The Yankees are also predicted to make the biggest move of MLB free agency by signing Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker to a massive 10-year, $360 million contract.
“We’ve picked the Yankees to land Tucker, essentially giving them a big-money corner outfielder to make up for the loss of Juan Soto last winter,” Kelly wrote in November 17, 2025, story titled, “MLB Free Agency 2025-26: Contract and Landing Spot Predictions for Top 25 Players.” “But what if the Yankees—with uncertainty about what they have in Jasson Domínguez and an aging Aaron Judge—decide to bring back Bellinger or Grisham because they can play center field?
“Ultimately, we expect there to be a club that gives Tucker a 10-year deal. Could the Blue Jays let (Bo) Bichette walk and instead prioritize Tucker as they try to get over the hump in October? Perhaps the seemingly always-aggressive Buster Posey tries to bring Tucker to San Francisco to join a Giants lineup that already includes Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman and Willy Adames. Maybe the Phillies lose (Kyle) Schwarber and pivot to Tucker.”
Cubs OF Kyle Tucker’s Market Value Is Projected To Be a 10-Year, $401 Million Contract
If the Yankees sign Tucker to the $360 million deal Bleacher Report projects, New York would be signing the 4-time All-Star to a contract for slightly less than initially expected. Tucker has widely been projected to land a new deal that tops $400 million.
The veteran played on a one-year, $16.5 million contract for the Cubs in 2025. Spotrac projects Tucker’s market value in MLB free agency is a 10-year, $401 million contract.
Yankees Rumors: New York Floated as Landing Spot for Mets Pitcher Edwin Diaz
There are no shortage of players who the Yankees have already been linked to in MLB free agency. Even if the Yankees are unable to sign Tucker, there are other potential players New York could target. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal floated the Yankees as a potential landing spot for Mets closer Edwin Diaz.
“The Mets’ crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees, are another club with potential interest,” Rosenthal detailed in a November 14, story titled, “With Edwin Díaz on the market, a perfect storm is brewing for the Mets to lose him.” “The Yankees, too, have other priorities: a starting pitcher and at least one outfielder.
“While they are set with David Bednar as their closer, they also face the losses of two high-leverage relievers in Williams and Luke Weaver, and Díaz is proven in New York.”
The Yankees Are Aiming to Improve the Team’s Pitching
In addition to potentially being in the mix for Tucker, the Yankees are looking to improve the team’s pitching staff. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has already been outspoken about the team’s plans.
“Hopefully, health blesses us in the rotation in the early portion of February, March and April,” Cashman noted, per The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty. “But you can’t count on that.
“We’ll be exploring how to protect ourselves so we’re not taking on water early because our rotation is compromised out of the gate.”
