The New York Yankees have some major decisions to make this winter. Cody Bellinger is heading into free agency. Losing him would be a huge blow for the Bronx Bombers, given how he was one of their best players this season. Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly recently predicted that the Yankees could replace Bellinger by signing Cubs superstar Kyle Tucker to a 10-year, $360 million deal. But why do the Yankees have to choose? Why not keep Bellinger and add Tucker?

They can do that, actually, they should. On The Shift: Yankees Podcast, the Yankees were given an unexpected answer to their outfield dilemma.

“No,w assuming he’s healthy and he’s fine, which he is, the Yankees have to go and sign him. He’s perfect for Yankee Stadium. Now I’m seeing this take sign Cody Bellinger over Kyle Tucker, sign them over Kyle Tucker. I’m not saying not to sign Cody. I’m not saying the Yankees shouldn’t sign Cody Bellinger. Cody Bellinger is an excellent corner outfielder. He provided production in our lineup that we didn’t necessarily expect to get out of him.”

Bellinger was almost a 30-home-run, 100-RBI guy, and not many saw that coming. He played first base, too. He logged 26 innings there last season. That’s not a ton, but he originally came up as a first baseman, so it’s basically his natural spot. Plus, he’s an excellent corner outfielder on top of that.

That’s why, the podcaster insisted, “Why is this narrative out there that you have to pick between Cody Bellinger and Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker? Why? Now the Yankees probably are, and maybe that’s where you’re coming from, but why can’t they bring in both?”

Further, he added that it’s likely that the Yankees are losing Trent Grisham. He gave them 34 home runs last season, and with Giancarlo Stanton also likely missing 50–60 games, the Yankees need to replace that production somehow. That’s why Kyle Tucker is a perfect fit.

The ultimatum is pretty simple. The front office needs to bring back Cody Bellinger and sign Kyle Tucker. Cody can play first, left, or right. Tucker can play left or right, and he’s athletic enough to handle center field if the team needs him to.

But then, there’s also a possibility that the cross-town rivals will eventually lure Bellinger.

Cody Bellinger could end up in Queens after all

Cody Bellinger’s name has been floating around Mets conversations for a long time now. Jon Heyman first hinted at a possible Queens connection back in August. And the buzz has only grown stronger since.

Of course, the Mets won’t be the only ones lining up for him. The Yankees would love to bring him back for 2025, and teams like the Phillies and Dodgers, yes, even after non-tendering him three years ago, are expected to be in the mix too.

With Scott Boras representing him, Bellinger is almost certainly headed for a massive contract. And plenty of teams will try to make their pitch.

Most projections have Cody Bellinger landing around $180 million on a deal of six years or more. That’s a massive number, but understandable for someone with his skill set.

He’s a plus defender across all three outfield spots and at first base. To top it off, he makes consistent contact, is athletic, and doesn’t strike out much. That combination makes him an appealing package for any team.

Speaking of the Mets, could they get most of that profile for less than a quarter of the price? There’s a free agent out there who could easily outperform expectations. At the same time, it checks many of the same boxes Cody Bellinger does.

That’s none other than Ryan O’Hearn. If the Mets turn their attention to O’Hearn, the Yankees could take advantage of that. They could keep Bellinger from the Mets and not repeat a Juan Soto 2.0 saga.