Yankees Eye Kyle Tucker Backup; Red Sox Hunt for Bats

This article breaks down three of the biggest storylines shaping the MLB offseason as the Winter Meetings draw near. The New York Yankees’ search for a marquee outfielder, the Boston Red Sox’s push to add right-handed power, and the Milwaukee Brewers’ delicate dance with a potential ace in Jacob Misiorowski all take center stage.

Each situation reveals a different approach to how contenders and small-market clubs try to build—and protect—their future. The stakes feel high, and the choices are anything but simple.

Yankees Weigh Cody Bellinger vs. Kyle Tucker — and Jasson Domínguez’s Future

The New York Yankees are right back in the offseason spotlight. This time, everyone’s watching how they’ll reshape their outfield.

Even with a handful of options already on the roster, the front office acts like it still needs one more impact bat and glove for the grass. That sense of urgency is hard to miss.

Bellinger the Priority, Tucker the Insurance Policy

Industry chatter says the Yankees see Kyle Tucker as more of a backup plan. Their preferred option? Cody Bellinger, who just fits what New York wants right now.

The Yankees reportedly favor Bellinger for three reasons:

That blend of versatility, cost, and proven New York production just makes Bellinger the clear first choice in the Bronx.

Trent Grisham’s Return Doesn’t End the Outfield Search

Some folks probably thought the Yankees were set in the outfield after Trent Grisham accepted his qualifying offer. Instead, it barely changed the equation—he’s locked in as a fourth outfielder and defensive replacement, but nothing more.

New York’s still pushing hard for a top-of-the-market outfielder. That aggressive pursuit has sparked plenty of rumors, including the idea that the club could move on from top prospect Jasson Domínguez if the right deal comes along.

What Happens to Jasson Domínguez?

Domínguez’s rookie year was more about flashes than consistency. His stat line was modest, and the way the Yankees used him in big moments stood out even more.

In high-leverage games, he often sat while Bellinger, Grisham, and Aaron Judge filled the outfield. That usage pattern begs the question: do the Yankees see Domínguez as a core piece, or as a valuable trade chip if a star like Tucker becomes available?

Their ongoing hunt for a premium outfielder makes it feel like, if a blockbuster pops up, Domínguez’s name will be one of the first on the table.

Red Sox Look to Add Right-Handed Thunder After Sonny Gray Move

Up in Boston, the Red Sox have already boosted the rotation by adding Sonny Gray. But their offseason checklist is still pretty long.

The next big task: inject more right-handed pop into a lineup that just didn’t have enough balance or power in 2025.

Targeting Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman for Power and Balance

The Red Sox finished 15th in MLB in home runs in 2025. That’s a middling spot for a team that wants to compete in a division where 90-plus wins is the norm.

The lineup leaned heavily left-handed, which made them an easy target for tough southpaws and limited their flexibility late in games. So Boston has zeroed in on right-handed corner infielders Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman:

Either guy would instantly shift the Red Sox lineup and force opposing managers to rethink their bullpen moves. It’s the kind of impact they’ve been missing.

Secondary Targets and Potential Outfield Trades

The Red Sox aren’t just chasing the biggest names. They’re also eyeing a second-tier bat like Jorge Polanco, whose switch-hitting and positional flexibility would add depth and balance.

To make everything fit—both financially and on the depth chart—Boston may need to subtract from its outfield surplus. Both Wilyer Abreu and Jarren Duran have come up in trade rumors.

The front office seems open to the idea of adding multiple hitters and flipping an outfielder for pitching or more infield pop. That would reshape the core of the offense in a hurry.

Brewers and Jacob Misiorowski: Extension Talks Hit a Pause

While the big-market clubs chase splashy names, the Milwaukee Brewers are dealing with a different kind of challenge. They want to keep a potential ace in-house at a price that makes sense for them.

Why Milwaukee Wants an Early Deal

Contract extension talks with hard-throwing righty Jacob Misiorowski have reportedly stalled. Milwaukee doesn’t seem panicked—Misiorowski isn’t a free agent until after the 2031–32 season, so they’ve got years of team control left.

Still, the Brewers would love to lock in an extension before Misiorowski hits his peak earning years. The logic is pretty clear:

Early extensions aren’t the norm, but for a team like Milwaukee, they can be the difference between keeping a star through his prime or watching him walk away in free agency. It’s a tricky balance, and honestly, who knows if they’ll pull it off this winter?

The Small-Market Tightrope

With talks on pause, the Brewers are back on their usual tightrope. They don’t have to make a move right now.

If they wait too long, though, Misiorowski’s value could soar if he breaks out like people expect. For Milwaukee, it’s all about timing—just as much as it’s about talent.

The Winter Meetings are coming up fast. Yankees outfield maneuvering, Red Sox lineup tweaks, and the Brewers’ extension plans all show the pressures different teams face.

Every club is up against the clock, scrambling to fit together performance, payroll, and some version of a long-term plan before Opening Day. The names change, but the challenge really doesn’t.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB rumors: Yankees eye Kyle Tucker as Cody Bellinger backup plan, Red Sox want bats