I Was Wrong About the Cody Bellinger vs. Kyle Tucker Debate for the Yankees — What Did I Miss?
Cody Bellinger is delivering one of the best seasons of his career and has become even more valuable to the New York Yankees since Aaron Judge landed on the injured list on Friday. On Sunday against the Boston Red Sox, Bellinger broke a 1-1 tie with a solo home run in the eighth inning, sparking a four-run rally that helped the Yankees secure a 6-1 victory. The homer was a timely reminder of how important he has become in the Yankees’ lineup during Judge’s absence.
Bellinger is posting his strongest numbers since winning the National League MVP Award in 2019. His 138 wRC+ marks his best offensive production since that season, and his 3.5 bWAR ranks second among American League players, trailing only Bobby Witt Jr. He also leads all major league players with 15 Defensive Runs Saved in left field, underscoring his impact as one of the league’s best two-way players. Yankees starter Cam Schlittler described him as a five-tool player and said Bellinger has been the kind of steady force the team needed.
The Yankees re-signed Bellinger this offseason on a five-year, $162.5 million contract after making him one of their top free-agent priorities. The club valued his fit next to Judge, especially after deciding not to pursue Kyle Tucker at the level Tucker sought. Tucker ultimately signed a four-year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, while the Yankees kept Bellinger, who had previously been linked to the Cubs in trade discussions before joining New York.
Bellinger said the security of a long-term contract has helped him play more freely without the pressure of an opt-out or free agency hanging over him. That comfort has been reflected in his improved plate discipline and on-base production. His .373 on-base percentage is his best since the 2019 MVP season, and his walk rate has risen sharply. He credited improved mechanics and a better mental approach for his offensive surge.
His defense has also taken a major step forward. After finishing with 7 Defensive Runs Saved in left field last season, Bellinger has more than doubled that total in 2026. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has praised his daily impact, saying Bellinger regularly makes standout plays in the outfield. That defensive excellence, combined with improved offense, has made him an even more complete player.
By contrast, Tucker’s first season with the Dodgers has been a disappointment. His contact quality has declined, his chase rate has increased, and his overall offensive numbers have slipped. While it is too early to judge both contracts definitively, Bellinger’s early return clearly looks like the stronger one.
If Bellinger maintains this level, the Yankees will not just have kept a valuable free agent. They will have secured a true co-star for Judge, one capable of influencing games with both his bat and his glove every night.
