The New York Yankees’ offseason plans may feature several upgrades, but Kyle Tucker will not be one of them. Despite admiring the All-Star outfielder, the Yankees have no plans to enter a bidding war for his services. According to insider Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media, Tucker’s expected price tag—roughly $40 million per year—makes him an unrealistic target for general manager Brian Cashman and owner Hal Steinbrenner.
Too Expensive, Even for the Yankees
Tucker followed multiple elite seasons with the Astros by joining the Cubs in 2025, where injuries limited his production. Even so, he remains one of the premier names on the free-agent market. “The Yankees love Tucker,” Miller reported, “but he’s probably going to get $40 million a year for a bunch of seasons. That’s Aaron Judge money.”
Judge’s nine-year, $360 million deal already gives the Yankees one of the largest single-player commitments in baseball. With a payroll near $296 million last season, New York faces luxury-tax concerns and arbitration raises for several key players. Cashman knows adding another $300–400 million deal would limit roster flexibility in the coming years.
Instead of making a record-setting offer, the Yankees plan to distribute their spending across multiple positions. The front office still wants to add an outfielder, but one who fits their payroll structure and long-term vision.
Turning to Familiar Faces and Internal Depth
New York believes its following great outfield combination might already be on the roster. Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones are viewed as core pieces moving forward, while Aaron Judge remains locked into right field. Tucker’s primary position overlaps with Judge’s, which further reduces the logic of spending top dollar on another corner outfielder.
Domínguez is expected to handle left field full-time after a solid rookie campaign. Jones, the 6-foot-7 Vanderbilt product who hit 35 homers across two minor-league levels, could arrive in the majors by 2026. Both young hitters come with strikeout concerns, but the Yankees are committed to giving them opportunities to grow rather than blocking their path with a massive contract.
That development plan also allows the Yankees to focus on keeping their own free agents. Cody Bellinger, who hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI, is seeking around six years and $180 million. His versatility across all three outfield spots and first base gives him an edge over Tucker in fit and flexibility.
Trent Grisham, who hit a career-high 34 homers, could cost roughly $48 million over four years. Re-signing both would strengthen the roster without adding another luxury-tax burden. Aaron Judge even endorsed the idea after the team’s playoff elimination: “Grish and Bellinger, two guys that had incredible years … hopefully we can run them back.”
Cashman appears to agree. Rather than chasing headlines, the Yankees are prioritizing balanced spending and roster stability. With Judge entering his age-34 season, the team wants to win now—but on sustainable terms.
While fans may crave another superstar signing, the Yankees seem determined to prove they can build smarter, not just richer. Their offseason strategy centers on depth, defense, and continuity—a sharp pivot from the high-risk splashes that defined past winters in the Bronx. If that approach pays off, Cashman might finally deliver the consistent championship window ownership has demanded.
Kyle Tucker’s talent isn’t in question, but his price tag is. For the Yankees, discipline might prove more valuable than another superstar contract.
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