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. Even though stars like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Juan Soto have been a part of the Yankees roster, the team has struggled. Things went from bad to worse last year when Soto moved to the New York Mets. This 2025 season, the Yankees once again failed to advance in the playoffs as the Toronto Blue Jays knocked them out in the Division Series.

Now, attention has turned toward Kyle Tucker, who is now one of the 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 require an impact outfielder following Cody Bellinger’s departure. The best option is indeed Tucker. His skill set fits New York’s needs perfectly.

If Brian Cashman truly wants redemption, this offseason could be 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

Kyle Tucker could help the Yankees get back to their winning ways. But here’s the thing, the team cannot avoid all their 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 before the trade deadline in an attempt to fix the team.

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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.