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Cubs Star Named Better Yankees Fit Than Cody Bellinger

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 11:24 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Kyle Tucker: A Better Fit for the Yankees than Cody Bellinger

In a bold assessment of the New York Yankees’ outfield possibilities, a recent Sports Illustrated piece argues that Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker offers a more compelling fit than the Yankees’ recent acquisition of former Dodgers star Cody Bellinger. The article, penned by the “Onsi” columnists, dives into the statistical nuances of both players and contextualizes the Yankees’ need for a left‑handed power threat that can contribute both on the field and in the lineup.

Why the Yankees are looking for a new left‑handed hitter

The Yankees have built a power‑heavy lineup around Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, both of whom bat left. Judge has been the club’s offensive anchor, but the team has a clear need to bolster its left‑handed hitting after Judge’s age‑related decline and the potential loss of Stanton to free‑agency or injury. The organization’s front office has long been searching for a player who can both power the ball and contribute on the base paths—an asset that can slot neatly into the existing lineup while preserving the core of Judge and Stanton.

Cody Bellinger was signed as a free agent in March 2023 to a four‑year, $106 million contract. Bellinger, a former third‑baseman, was slated to provide defensive depth and veteran leadership in the outfield. However, early indications of his fit with the Yankees have been underwhelming. Bellinger has struggled with injuries—hamstring issues that limited his 2023 production—and his defensive range has been less than ideal for the left‑field role the Yankees envision for a left‑handed batter.

Kyle Tucker’s breakout performance

Kyle Tucker, 27, has emerged as one of the most exciting young left‑handed power hitters in the game. The Cubs’ first‑round pick from 2014, Tucker’s 2023 season with the Houston Astros was nothing short of a breakout. He posted a .256 batting average with a .352 on‑base percentage and a .520 slugging percentage, delivering 34 home runs and 89 RBIs in 138 games. Tucker’s 12 stolen bases added a dimension of speed that complements his power, and his walk rate—19.5 %—demonstrates an eye at the plate that can stretch innings.

The “Onsi” article cites Tucker’s 2023 defensive metrics as well. His Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) value of +5 and a Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) for outfielders of 8.73 suggest that Tucker offers solid fielding proficiency. Moreover, Tucker’s ability to hit to the right side of the park, with 28 of his home runs landing in right field, would give the Yankees a left‑handed batter who can pull the ball against right‑handed pitching—an advantage in a ballpark where right‑field is often a dead zone.

A comparative look at the two candidates

Bellinger’s 2022 season with the Dodgers was a statistical success: a .279 average, .331 on‑batted percentage, and .460 slugging percentage in 155 games, producing 20 home runs and 71 RBIs. He was a defensive stalwart at third base and provided a .983 fielding percentage. Yet Bellinger’s power numbers were modest compared to the Yankees’ expectations for an outfielder, and his base‑running contributions were limited. While Bellinger’s veteran presence and experience in high‑pressure situations are valuable, his injury history and limited power output create doubts about his long‑term fit with the Yankees’ offensive strategy.

In contrast, Tucker’s 2023 metrics indicate a player with both power and plate discipline, combined with a defensive profile that can adapt to the Yankees’ center‑field and left‑field demands. The article also points out that Tucker’s walk rate is among the highest for left‑handed hitters, a trait that can help him sustain offensive output even when his batting average dips.

Potential implications for the Yankees

If the Yankees decide to reassess their outfield strategy, Tucker presents an intriguing option. He is still under contract with the Cubs, but the organization could negotiate a trade for a player who can deliver the same kind of power and speed that the Yankees need. The article notes that the Cubs are reportedly willing to entertain offers, especially if a trade could help them bolster their own roster with a high‑level outfielder.

Moreover, the Yankees could explore a different path: retaining Bellinger while adding a left‑handed power hitter like Tucker in a trade or free‑agency package. This would give the Yankees the best of both worlds—a veteran presence and a dynamic power hitter who can fill in when Judge and Stanton are not performing at peak levels.

Follow‑up links and additional context

The article references several external sources to bolster its arguments:

1. Kyle Tucker’s 2023 statistics – A Baseball‑Reference profile summarizing his .256 average, .352 OBP, .520 SLG, 34 home runs, 89 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases.
2. Cody Bellinger’s 2022 performance – MLB.com’s player page highlighting his .279 average, .331 OBP, .460 SLG, 20 home runs, and 71 RBIs.
3. Yankees outfield situation – An SI.com recap of the Yankees’ current outfield lineup, noting Judge’s 2023 performance, Stanton’s injury history, and the potential role for a left‑handed hitter.

These links provide a comprehensive data backdrop that underscores the argument: Tucker’s blend of power, speed, and plate discipline aligns more closely with the Yankees’ long‑term offensive blueprint than Bellinger’s current output.

Bottom line

While Cody Bellinger brought veteran experience and a solid defensive profile to the Yankees, the team’s strategic need for a left‑handed power hitter with speed and disciplined plate approach makes Kyle Tucker a more attractive option. Tucker’s 2023 breakout season demonstrates that he can deliver the kind of offensive production that the Yankees have been chasing for years, and his defensive metrics suggest he can fit comfortably into the team’s outfield structure. As the Yankees continue to evaluate their roster, the “Onsi” column’s assessment of Tucker as a better fit than Bellinger offers a compelling narrative that may shape the club’s next moves.