Blue Jays predicted to make $418 million Kyle Tucker free agent decision

Matt Sullivan

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Blue Jays predicted to make $418 million Kyle Tucker free agent decision image

There might not be a team more equipped to spend big this offseason than the Toronto Blue Jays. They've already invested a ton of money into the free agent class, with Tyler Rogers, Cody Ponce, and Dylan Cease accounting for $277 million in contracts so far.

Blue Jays fans can stay excited, as the team's spending this winter is likely far from over. With interest in Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker, Toronto landing one of the top free agents left on the market is a very likely possibility.

ESPN's David Schoenfield predicts that the Blue Jays will go out and spend big this winter on Kyle Tucker rather than Bichette. But the projected deal he's going to sign with the Blue Jays is a mammoth $418 million, 11-year deal.

Blue Jays predicted to sign Kyle Tucker to $418 million mega-deal

"The Jays are doubling down on their World Series appearance so far," Schoenfield writes, "... With George Springer in the final year of his deal, Tucker can be viewed as Springer's replacement in the outfield."

Whether it's a long-term George Springer replacement or an addition to the lineup to try and return to the World Series, the Blue Jays have a clear need for Tucker this offseason.

Even at the absurd cost of $418 million over 11 years, signing Tucker, who's a four-time All-Star and the best free agent available, would be money well spent.

But, just improving the team isn't the only reason why the Blue Jays can justify signing Tucker to such a massive new contract. Their current contracts get a bit lighter after 2026.

More: Kyle Tucker spotted at Blue Jays facility, per MLB insider

"The Jays also have a lot of other money coming off the books after 2026 (Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Myles Straw, and Yimi Garcia)." Schoenfield writes, "Including Spinger, that's $78 million, so they can absorb the long-term implications of a Tucker deal."

With a lot of financial flexibility into the future, the Blue Jays can justify making this major addition. His massive contract won't hurt as much in 2027 when a lot of key players have departed due to their own expensive deals running out.

The Blue Jays have every reason in the world to get a Tucker deal done, especially with a lot of financial flexibility in the coming years. Schoenfield predicts Tucker signs with the Blue Jays, despite the huge $418 million contract prediction.

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Editorial Team