Yankees Big Move: Who’s Their Next Long-Term Outfield Target?
The outfield situation for the New York Yankees is not the greatest priority due to the number of potential candidates available within their system or on the market. However, the choices they make this season to fill those two spots will impact other moves for a number of years to come. We can break down the choices into three tiers. The first will consist of the most expensive long-term options. The second involves those that they may want to bring back on a shorter-term deal. Thirdly, you have the rest of the free agent field, which includes solid veterans and internationals.
The top floor of free agency consists of two similar talents in age and production. Cody Bellinger, who cashed in this option for a shot at a lengthy and significant final payday. He is the most flexible of the two. He can play all three outfield positions, including first base, at an all-star level defensively. His ability to hit situationally was a valuable asset to a Yankees team lacking in this skill. His counterpart, Kyle Tucker, will be the most expensive to acquire and is three years younger than Cody.
Bellinger and Tucker are both lefty sluggers who hit for average and play a great outfield. They posted similar numbers in 2025. Yet looking back on a day when Bellinger hit three home runs in a game, he launched what looked like a fourth into the short porch of Yankee Stadium. However, Tucker robbed him of a historical footnote, and his response to Cody exposed an inner competitor that would be welcome in New York. The more likely move for the Yankees is to re-sign Bellinger, as the price for Tucker will be steep with the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers lurking, and the Yankees will serve as a tool to get a big deal, but not the destination. Bellinger could be had for less money, but they would have to avoid anything more than five years. If this is the case, they can revisit an old friend.
The rumors are swirling that the Yankees may just play it safe by giving Trent Grisham a qualifying offer. If accepted, it would be a one-year deal. Trent had a career year with 34 home runs, but he disappeared in the postseason. If the market for Trent gets out of hand, then Cody is the option again. The return of Harrison Bader promises a defensive demon in center and a quality bat, but an injury history should rule him out.
The rest of the free agents have two intriguing names. Kyle Schwarber played left and would provide serious power and a perennial playoff threat, and after a 56 home run and 132 RBI season, he is worth a hard look. In addition, he has always been favored by Yankee general manager Brian Cashman. Tommy Pham, Michael Conforto, or Starling Marte are aging, but would be defensive upgrades.
The Yankee system has been led by first-round pick Spencer Jones, who destroys Triple-A pitching and has the advantage of providing power and range covering center field like a gazelle, while another top prospect suffers from a lack of playing time. Jasson Dominguez is not favored by the Yankees. They don’t trust him to get the reps to improve in left field and refuse to play him at lead off, a spot where he thrived with his blinding speed and eye at the plate. Jasson appears to be trade bait, while Jones should be getting his first opportunity in the Majors. The outfield looks like Aaron Judge, Grisham, and Jones as the fourth outfielder, with Cody Bellinger in left and Jasson again the odd man out. However, at the end of the day, if they are going to spend a number of years, it will be Cody Bellinger.
