With additions like Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, and Max Fried last off-season, the Yankees recalibrated and pieced together a roster that can challenge for the AL East and make a dent in the playoffs. And the former has definitely been the case. The Yankees are almost a shoo-in for a wild-card spot and sit just 4 games behind the Blue Jays with 10 games left in the regular season. And rather than resting on their laurels, the Yankees are already looking to upgrade the roster for next season. The catch?  The two potential targets are straight from their own division.

Per Patrick McAvoy from SI, those two key targets are Alex Bregman and Shane Bieber, with a projected value of $185 million and $145 million, respectively. Targeting these two would make a double impact that strengthens the Bronx while weakening the very teams they’ll be fighting for the bragging rights in the division.

While Bregman isn’t guaranteed to hit the market, it’s the opt-out clause in his three-year contract with the Red Sox that sparked the idea. Moreover, third base has long been a spot of need for the Yankees, and if Bregman does hit the market, he’d be one of the most sought-after players.

Next up, speaking of Bieber, to sway him from the Blue Jays, the Yankees could look to give him a solid one or two-year contract. The right-hander has a player option for the 2026 season. The 30-year-old is a former Cy Young Award winner with a 3.25 ERA. If he becomes available, he’ll arguably be one of the top pitchers out there. Also, this could be financially beneficial for the Yankees, too, as they can pick Bieber for cheap as compared to someone like Framber Valdez.

However, it’s worth noting that the Yankees didn’t go after Bregman last offseason when they had a chance to upgrade their infield. Moreover, as far as Bieber’s trade is concerned, there might be some apprehension since he is coming off a Tommy John surgery this season.

There is also another player the Yankees are eyeing, and he can prove to be the real game-changer for the Bombers in the next season.

The Yankees could potentially join the Cubs in a bidding war for Kyle Tucker

Kyle Tucker has long been in talks to part ways with the Cubs. And if the Yankees decide to get a new outfielder, Kyle Tucker would be the top name on the list. The 28-year-old has it all—four All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger Award, a Gold Glove, and to top it all off, a World Series title.

As per ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, after speaking with 20 scouts, execs, and agents, Tucker’s next deal projections are massive. It’s predicted that he’ll land somewhere around a 10-year contract worth an eye-watering $391.5 million.

Given the price tag, it’s easy to tell that only big market contenders will line up to bid for his services. Analyst Jim Riley believes that the Yankees could win this bid. It’s because pairing Aaron Judge with lefty hitter Kyle Tucker would restore the kind of one-two punch. The Yankees lost that when Juan Soto moved on from the Yankees.

According to Riley, it’s very likely that Tucker wouldn’t deny playing for the Yankees. However, the Yankees have the Dodgers as their top competition to land Tucker. It makes sense. The Dodgers never mind spending big and maintain their star-studded roster.

If there’s a bidding war between the Yankees and the Cubs, the Yankees are likely to win. However, if the war plays out between the Dodgers and Yankees, that will be an even tussle. Do you think Kyle Tucker will end up at the Yankees? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.