On a brisk May night in the Bronx, as Aaron Judge crushed his usual moonshot into the second deck, whispers swirled in the press box about who might be joining him in that lineup next year. Not just any bat, but one that could shift the balance of power in the American League. In a season where the Yankees have already missed out on Juan Soto and watched Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extend long-term with a division rival, their next move has to count. And the name on every insider’s lips? It’s not just big, it’s potentially historic.

That name is Kyle Tucker, the Cubs’ $16.5 million outfielder and one of baseball’s most dynamic left-handed threats. Acquired from the Astros in a December blockbuster, Tucker has fit in seamlessly in Chicago, but his contract situation is anything but settled. He’s mashing again, slashing .278/.387/.552 with 12 home runs and 35 RBIs through 50 games, and he’s done it all while staring down the barrel of free agency. “It’s just like we’re gonna try and do tonight, and try and do my best to help out the team in whatever way I can. But I mean, I just, for the most part, I just focus on playing ball,” he shared two days ago about how he was focusing on things within his control.

The love he has received from the city hasn’t gone unnoticed either. Now, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, Tucker is looked at as a top-five MVP candidate in the league. Hence, fans might witness him land a nine-figure contract that starts with a 6. Bowden wrote, “Several big-market teams, including the Cubs, Phillies, Yankees and Dodgers, should be in play for him.” If the Yankees can get the player in, he would be the second star on their lineup after Aaron Judge. Tucker could bring in his defensive prowess to help the team. Considering how the Yankees have not assigned Jasson Dominguez the job to finish games because of left field issues, there would be additional resources in their reserve if Tucker or Cody Bellinger were to move from DH to the outfield later in games.

Further, the team could rotate an outfield of Tucker, Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Jasson Dominguez with ease. Bellinger playing first base in some games would give Paul Goldschmidt some rest. Then, with Giancarlo Stanton on the shelf, the team would not have to worry about spreading enough reps. But here’s where things get interesting.

Tucker’s camp knows the landscape has changed. With Soto inking a record-breaking $765 million deal and Guerrero Jr. reportedly landing around $500 million, Tucker could become baseball’s next $600 million man, especially with his combination of youth, power, speed, and defensive value. And for the Yankees, the opportunity is as clear as ever. They need another lefty presence behind Aaron Judge, and Tucker brings a polished, patient approach that fits Yankee Stadium like a glove. His Gold Glove defense and postseason experience only add to the intrigue.

As for the Cubs? They went all-in to get him, but unless an extension gets done, the risk is real. The longer he goes unsigned, the louder the whispers get. In the Bronx, those whispers are sounding a lot like plans.

Why the Yankees make sense for Kyle Tucker

Let’s be honest, Kyle Tucker in pinstripes just feels right. The Yankees have been missing a left-handed hitter in their outfield ever since Brett Gardner’s prime days. With Tucker on board, it could change quickly. He’s a batter with power to hit 30 homers and skills to get on base—just the kind of offensive support the Yankees require in their lineup, especially for players like Aaron Judge.

Considering the right field fence at Yankee Stadium, it seems tailor-made for Tucker’s swing style. He has a knack for hitting fastballs down the middle and sending them soaring into the corner, which could pose a challenge for pitchers in the AL East. It’s easy to picture him achieving some best stats while playing in New York City.

He is not lacking in defense either. Tucker also boasts a Gold Glove and is known as one of the reliable right fielders in the league. Adding him to the Yankees would definitely bolster their outfield defense: Create a pairing with Judge in either the center or right field, depending on the team’s lineup. But what sets Tucker apart is not just stats and defensive skills; he brings postseason experience along with a cool-headed attitude and deep understanding of baseball.

He’s the type of player who doesn’t just lift a team’s performance but also sets standards for everyone around him. In the end, the Yankees need more than just firepower; they need versatility, balance, and postseason reliability. Kyle Tucker checks every box. What do you think?