Kyle Tucker Chooses Dodgers, Shifting the Cody Bellinger Sweepstakes-and the Yankees May Benefit
Late Thursday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers did what championship-caliber franchises with deep pockets tend to do-they closed the deal. Free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, one of the top names on the market, chose L.A. over the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays, adding yet another All-Star to a roster that’s already the envy of the league.
The Dodgers, already two-time defending World Series champs, weren’t considered the frontrunners for Tucker until the final moments. But as they’ve done so often in recent offseasons, they waited for the right moment-and struck with precision. The Mets and Blue Jays were left in the dust, again.
What This Means for Cody Bellinger-and the Yankees
Tucker’s decision has an immediate ripple effect, especially for teams still looking to bolster their outfield. Chief among them?
The New York Yankees, who’ve been in on Cody Bellinger for weeks. With Tucker off the board and the Dodgers now seemingly out of the picture, the Yankees’ path to Bellinger may have just gotten a little clearer.
Los Angeles had always felt like a more natural fit for Bellinger, given his history with the club and their need for a left-handed bat in the outfield. But with Tucker now taking that spot, the Dodgers are no longer in play-at least not in the same way.
That leaves the Yankees, who reportedly have a five-year offer on the table in the $150-160 million range. Bellinger and his agent, Scott Boras, have been holding out for a longer commitment, but so far, no team has been willing to meet that demand.
The Mets, for instance, never went beyond four years in their pursuit of Tucker, despite being willing to pay top dollar. That reluctance to stretch the years could be a sticking point with Bellinger as well.
Don’t Count Out the Mets Just Yet
Of course, just because the Dodgers are out doesn’t mean the Yankees are in the clear. Mets owner Steve Cohen has never been one to back down from a challenge-especially when it comes to competing with the Yankees. If Cohen decides to pivot and make a splash, it’s not out of the question that he could green-light a longer deal for Bellinger, especially now that his top target is off the board.
But that would require buy-in from Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who’s been cautious so far. Bellinger’s market has been slower to develop than some expected, and there’s been a noticeable hesitancy around offering a long-term deal. Whether that’s due to concerns about his injury history, recent production, or simply waiting for the price to come down, it’s clear that teams are treading carefully.
What About the Blue Jays?
Then there’s Toronto. The Blue Jays were reportedly in deep on Tucker, even considering a lengthy offer to land him. They haven’t been directly linked to Bellinger, but after missing out on one top-tier outfielder, could they pivot to another?
It’s possible. The Blue Jays are clearly looking to make a splash, and Bellinger would bring both offensive upside and defensive versatility. But whether they’re motivated by revenge, desperation, or simply staying competitive in a tough AL East, remains to be seen.
Where Things Stand Now
With Tucker now in Dodger blue, one major domino has fallen-and the dynamics of the outfield market have shifted. The Yankees, who’ve been patient but persistent, may have just seen their biggest competition for Bellinger step aside. That doesn’t mean it’s a done deal, but it does tilt the board in their favor.
Still, this is free agency. Teams pivot.
Owners get restless. Agents play the long game.
And in the case of someone like Cody Bellinger-an MVP-caliber talent still in his prime-there’s always room for one more twist.
For now, the Yankees are in position. But with the Mets lurking and the Blue Jays possibly re-entering the fray, this race isn’t over. Not yet.