The New York Yankees came so close in 2024 to winning their first-ever World Series in 15 years. But the Dodgers showed them the door, and it got even worse in 2025 as the Blue Jays swept them to the side. But with the offseason here and Brian Cashman driving the ship, things could change. This offseason will tell us how the Yankees’ season will go. And if they want it to go well, they need to make sure to make the right signings, like Kyle Tucker.

In a recent piece by The Athletic, Ken Rosenthal and some other insiders wrote about Kyle Tucker and his destinations as a free agent. Second on the list of destinations was the Bronx, and they wrote, “After continually hitting the same ceiling — 90-plus wins and zero World Series titles in the past 16 years — now would be a good time to circle back to Tucker and see how much damage his swing could do at Yankee Stadium.”

It has been sixteen years since the Yankees last lifted the World Series trophy in 2009. Despite having stars like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Juan Soto, success has remained elusive. Soto’s move to the New York Mets in 2024 only deepened that frustration among fans. The Yankees once again fell short in 2025, losing to the Toronto Blue Jays in the Division Series after a 94-win season.

Now, attention has turned toward Kyle Tucker, one of this offseason’s most sought-after free agents. In his lone year with the Chicago Cubs, Tucker hit .266 with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs across 136 games. His strong defense and consistent left-handed bat make him a natural fit for Yankee Stadium’s short right field. The Dodgers are considered early favorites to land Tucker, but their potential luxury tax burden could limit their pursuit.

That hesitation opens a rare opportunity for the Yankees, who need an impact outfielder after Cody Bellinger opted out. Bellinger’s exit leaves a gap in both defense and balance that Tucker could fill immediately. His ability to play elite defense and deliver power to all fields fits New York’s needs perfectly. For a team tired of close calls and playoff heartbreak, Tucker represents a chance to finally bridge that sixteen-year gap.

If Brian Cashman truly wants redemption, this offseason is his make-or-break moment. Kyle Tucker isn’t just another signing; he’s the kind of swing that changes legacies. Sixteen years of excuses later, it’s time the Yankees stop chasing ghosts and start winning again.

Kyle Tucker might be the big signing, but the Yankees have other problems to solve

The Yankees love a splashy headline, and Kyle Tucker would definitely deliver one. But here’s the thing: this team doesn’t need another shiny name to distract from the cracks beneath the surface. While Brian Cashman dreams of left-handed power and Aaron Boone rehearses his spring optimism, the real issues are sitting right there in pinstripes, quietly waiting to be ignored again.

Devin Williams arrived in New York as the answer to a bullpen that kept faltering late. The Yankees trusted his 36 saves with Milwaukee in 2023, hoping to stabilize their ninth innings. Instead, he struggled in crucial spots, posting respectable overall numbers but faltering under pressure when it mattered most. Those stumbles forced Brian Cashman to acquire David Bednar, Jake Bird, and Camilo Doval at the trade deadline to fix the chaos.

Now, the Rays’ release of Pete Fairbanks has opened a door New York didn’t expect this winter. Fairbanks saved 27 games in 2025 with a 2.83 ERA and a 1.044 WHIP before being released. His 100 mph fastball and consistent command could finally restore the late-inning confidence that Williams couldn’t deliver. For the Yankees, signing him would not just patch a weakness but rewrite how close games end in the Bronx.

If Brian Cashman wants October peace, he should start with Pete Fairbanks, not Kyle Tucker. The Yankees have enough star power; what they need now is reliability when the lights burn brightest. Maybe this time, the savior won’t come from the batter’s box but from the bullpen gate.