According to what Brendan Coutey talks to The AthleticScott Boras would like to see Kyle Tucker, the No. 1 fish on the free agent market right now, sign before Cody Bellinger.
Remember that Bellinger is represented by Boras and Tucker is not.
According to a source briefed on the negotiations, there were signs that Scott Boras might wait to sign Kyle Tucker before making a deal for Cody Bellinger. The Yankees continue to work on the rest of their roster behind the scenes.
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— Brendan Coutey (@BrendanKutyNJ) December 11, 2025
We agree that Tucker has a smaller market (from a team perspective) than Bellinger due to the salary he will receive. The former Astros and Cubs player could sign a contract twice as big as the one he played in the Bronx in 2025.
Boras would like to create a sense of urgency among teams that will miss out on Tucker.
If so, it reflects Boras' customer values: We let others choose the destination, and later in the winter we'll choose the low-cost option.
I'm not saying Tucker won't sign for the money. But if he signs first, there won't be the same sense of urgency among teams, which could push the price down.
Bellinger has been linked to several teams, but two that of course you need it his services are most used by the Yankees and Mets. The Yankees can't lose him…and the Mets need to replace the bat of Pete Alonso, who will continue his career in Baltimore.
However, it should be noted that Tucker is not expected to sign with any New York team at this time. The Blue Jays are certainly the favorites in this one that could change quickly.
But never mind: If Tucker doesn't sign with New York, it will create a sense of urgency in the front offices of both Big Apple teams. That's for sure.
To be continued.
This content was created using artificial intelligence.
