The New York Yankees aren’t making a serious push for Kyle Tucker, despite ongoing speculation linking the All-Star outfielder to the Bronx.
Brian Cashman and the Yankees haven’t hosted Tucker for a facility visit, even though the former Houston Astros star lives in Tampa. That’s a telling sign when you consider the Toronto Blue Jays recently brought him to their Dunedin complex for a tour.
MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch reports there “doesn’t seem to be much smoke” around Tucker and the Yankees, despite the speculation that continues to swirl.
It’s a pretty clear indication of where things stand.
The Yankees have been connected to Tucker at various points this offseason, especially with Cody Bellinger heading back to the Cubs. But the lack of a facility visit speaks volumes about their actual interest level.
What makes this interesting is the Yankees’ apparent concern about loading up with too many left-handed hitters. Tucker’s a lefty bat, and while that shouldn’t disqualify him from consideration, it does factor into roster construction.
That’s where re-signing Bellinger becomes more appealing. He’s already shown he can handle lefty pitching in pinstripes, and the familiarity factor makes a deal more straightforward.
The Reality Check
The Yankees are always going to be linked to top free agents – it’s just how these things work. But there’s a difference between media speculation and actual organizational interest.
Tucker’s one of the best outfielders on the market, so the connection makes sense on paper. A Tampa resident potentially joining the team that trains in the area? It writes itself.
But the Yankees haven’t made the kind of moves you’d expect if they were serious about landing him. No facility tour, no real momentum building toward a deal.
The Blue Jays, meanwhile, are clearly making their pitch. Bringing Tucker to Dunedin shows they’re willing to invest time and effort in the courtship process.
All things considered, this report from Hoch pretty much closes the door on Yankees fans who were hoping Cashman would make a splash with Tucker this winter.
There’s still time for things to change, of course. But right now, a Tucker-Yankees marriage doesn’t look like it’s in the cards.
