The Toronto Blue Jays have been linked to Kyle Tucker for months now, but one of the biggest questions surrounding any signing has always been price.
Early projections had Tucker in the $400 million range, a number that might be a bit questionable. However, that number may not be as big as some believed.
Tucker’s free agency season didn’t quite go as planned, mainly due to injuries. While he was still excellent, it wasn’t the type of year that really blew anyone away.
However, that could quietly work in Toronto’s favor.
The Blue Jays have shown a willingness to spend, but they’ve also been smart when it comes to long-term commitments.
If Tucker’s market is down, it opens the door for an easier signing.
The Blue Jays can offer a chance to win, a stable core, and the chance to be a centerpiece with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
And according to Jon Heyman, he believes Tucker’s eventual price tag could land well below what we thought early on.
“Though he might not reach the early $400M predictions after his typically excellent but ultimately unsatisfying platform season with the Cubs, the all-around star (he, Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and José Ramírez are the only players to post a 4 WAR the past five seasons) should still be worth $300M-plus based on past deals and comps. But if he doesn’t mind resetting, the Dodgers could become an option for a short term and high AAV. The Yankees and Mets (and all big-market teams) have checked in, but Cody Bellinger’s versatility and lower price tag make him the New York mark — at least for now,” he wrote.
If Tucker truly comes in closer to $300 million than $400 million, the Blue Jays may find themselves with a great opportunity, one that didn’t seem likely just a few months ago.
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