They might have lost their bets on Vladdy and Soto, but now, the New York Yankees are reportedly strengthening their radar to pursue someone better. Guess who? A hint? Well, rumors have it that they have been eyeing this $16.5 million star since last offseason. Even before the Houston Astros traded him to the Chicago Cubs. Apparently, the Yankees couldn’t land him because they didn’t want to give up on Luis Gil at that time.
Yes, we are talking about Kyle Tucker. You see, now that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has signed the contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays, he’s naturally off the table. And so, the Bronx Bombers didn’t waste a minute in shifting their attention to the next rising star.
As per Athletics reporter Chris Kirschner, the Yankees’ top priority this season should absolutely be pursuing Tucker. He believes, “Tucker and his representation should have popped numerous bottles of champagne upon seeing Guerrero get $500 million from the Toronto Blue Jays.” Well, Kirschner has a strong take to back it up. According to him, Tucker is undeniably a better player.
So, now the teams that were initially interested in signing Guerrero during free agency can finally focus on this outfielder instead.
According to several analysts, insiders, and of course, fan channels, Tucker has the potential to land on a contract that exceeds $400 million. “The numbers are crazy these days, but if he has a Tucker-like year, how can he not command $400 million or more? I’m not saying this either way, but some people believe he’s better than Soto,” one small-market team executive shared.
Sure, it sounds like a massive statement to make. But it won’t be unbelievable once you take a look at his stats.
Kirschner hails Tucker over Guerrero and Soto for a reason. Tucker has that consistency, the numbers, and everything that it takes to end up with the Bronx Bombers. Not to mention, the upside is to draw significant offers that could eventually exceed $40 million annually.
Now, let’s take a look back at 2018, when Tucker recorded a stunning 141 wRC+. It made him rank among the league’s prime. According to A. J. Hinch, “He was the complete player. He could come up and change the game in a few different ways. On a team (Astros) that was pretty talented, he still stood out.” During his tenure in Houston, he belted 30 homers twice, stole 30 bases in 2023, and made him win a Silver Slugger and a Golden Glove award.
So, in such a scenario, it’s important to note that Cody Bellinger might opt out by the end of this season. If that happens, the Yankees will probably position Jasson Domínguez in center while Judge and Tucker will be on the corners.
Already sounds like a dangerous trio, right? But while that picture looks good, there is also a lingering concern. Tucker will be turning 29 by the next season, so, naturally, he won’t be looking for a 15-year deal like Juan Soto or a 14-year deal like Guerrero. For now, it looks like he will be landing in 10 to 11-year territory. And there, as well, we cannot ignore the possibility of him extending his contract with the Chicago Cubs.
The Chicago Cubs pose a serious threat with a potential extension of Kyle Tucker
While the Yankees have shown real interest in one of the most emerging talents, the Chicago Cubs may be one step ahead. As per MLB insider Mike Rodriguez, extension discussions between Kyle Tucker and the Chicago Cubs have taken a serious turn.
The word is that his estimated open market value will be somewhere around 12 years and $533 million.
Tucker himself hasn’t opened up much about these discussions. Although he did mention, “I’m just here to play baseball,” emphasizing his experience within the Cubs. “It’s been great ever since I’ve been over here. Everyone’s been super nice and helpful and everything,” added Tucker. But he didn’t completely deny the extension negotiations because, according to him, “If you have your numbers and whatnot, you can deal with the rest.”
And well, this interest is reportedly mutual. “Of course you want players like Kyle Tucker for a long time, there’s no question,” President Jed Hoyer gave the first hint. But it seemed like he wanted to keep things a bit mysterious, too: “He’s at such an elite level in our game. I mean, are you ever going to know if we’re having extension talks? No, so I wouldn’t comment on it. Certainly, there will be contact with his agents, we’ll have discussions. We’ll keep those internal.”
All of these feel like an indication for extension only, no? And if that happens, it could be a serious threat for the Yankees!
With Vladdy’s contract extension with Toronto, Tucker is now standing at the forefront. Probably, by the end of this season, we will know who is being a threat to whom! Till then, let’s sit back and enjoy the game and the drama… What do you say?
The post Yankees Insider Reveals Bronx Bombers Interested in $16.5M Star, Hailed as Better Than Vlad Jr. & Juan Soto appeared first on EssentiallySports.