Cody Bellinger’s time with the New York Yankees may have been short, but it was impactful. He brought stability to an outfield that desperately needed it, played Gold Glove defense, and added a much-needed left-handed presence in the lineup. Yet, after opting out of his $25 million player option for 2026 , the Yankees appear ready to let him test the market — and possibly move on altogether.
If general manager Brian Cashman wants to make a big splash this offseason, the target seems clear: Kyle Tucker. The 28-year-old outfielder is one of the most complete players in baseball, and he fits the Yankees’ long-term vision perfectly.
Why the Yankees might move on from Bellinger
Bellinger was a steady contributor in 2025, hitting .272 with a .334 on-base percentage and .480 slugging rate. He