Yankees reportedly identify backup plan for outfield

The New York Yankees want outfielder Cody Bellinger back. Bellinger, for his part, said that he wants to return to the Yankees. A reunion would seemingly make sense.

However, the Yankees are not the only team eyeing Bellinger. His ability to play all three outfield spots, as well as first base, makes Bellinger a fit for virtually any team. The Yankees and Bellinger may want a reunion, but money speaks louder than words.

Given Bellinger's robust market, it is understandable that the Yankees would be looking at other options. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, outfielder Kyle Tucker would be part of those backup plans.

Kyle Tucker would be strong fit for New York Yankees lineup

Tucker would not be as seamless a fit as Bellinger. He has primarily been a right fielder since the start of the 2021 season, with four games in center as his only other appearances on the grass. With Aaron Judge cemented as the Yankees right fielder, Tucker would presumably need to shift to left, a position he last played in 2020. He would also cost the Yankees draft picks and international bonus money as he rejected the qualifying offer after the 2025 season.

Offensively, Tucker would be a solid fit in the lineup. The four-time All-Star posted a .266/.377/.464 batting line over 597 plate appearances with the Cubs, hitting 22 homers and 25 doubles while stealing 25 bases. However, Tucker, like Bellinger, is a left-handed hitter, as are most of the players atop the Yankees depth charts.

The Yankees have a myriad of holes throughout the roster, with the long-term outlook in the outfield high upon that list. The Yankees need to add a proven bat to the lineup, be it Bellinger or Tucker. If Bellinger signs elsewhere, the Yankees may not have any choice but to turn to Tucker to fill that hole in the lineup.