Should Yankees take chance on another one-year gamble?

The main reason for that approach would be a concern over whether or not they could re-sign him. 

If they do not feel like they can and decide to go the trade route, the Yankees should be one of the top teams interested even if the cost is significant in terms of prospects and assets.

It would also be a fascinating move because it would simply be a repeat of the move they made to acquire Soto from the San Diego Padres prior to the 2024 season. The Padres knew Soto was not going to re-sign with them, and rather than risk losing him for nothing, they sent him to the Yankees for pitchers Michael King, Jhony Brito and Randy Vasquez, starting pitching prospect Drew Thorpe and catcher Kyle Higashioka.

Soto completely transformed the Yankees lineup and made them an immediate World Series contender. 

Now that he is gone, there is another huge void on the roster as they are now again completely dependent on Aaron Judge. 

Tucker, who turns 28 in January, has become one of the best hitters in the major leagues and would be an impact player in the middle of any lineup. While he is not quite on the same level as Soto when it comes to his production at the plate, there are some potential upsides to having him as a potential Plan B.

For one, he is a better fielder and base-runner than Soto. That could be enticing for the Yankees because one of their biggest flaws in 2024 was a lack of fundamentals that the Los Angeles Dodgers exploited in the World Series. 

He would also almost certainly be a more affordable option, even if he lands a premium contract and is another $300M-$400M player. That would be half the cost of Soto, and while Major League Baseball does not have a salary cap, money is still a concern for most teams, especially as it relates to luxury -tax thresholds. 

The risk would be whether or not they could actually get him signed, and the possibility that they could give up major assets and end up with another one-and-done superstar in right field. If it did not result in another trip to the World Series — and actually winning it this time — that would leave them open to criticism and mockery. 

But that should not be the Yankees' primary concern. Their concern needs to be putting the very best product on the field and making a serious run at a championship. That is the expectation Yankees fans have and the expectation ownership should have. If a player like Tucker is realistically available, the Yankees should be on the phone. Right now.