Blue Jays reportedly favorites to sign $350M World Series champion, premier free agent

Hunter Cookston

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Blue Jays reportedly favorites to sign $350M World Series champion, premier free agent image

The biggest name of the offseason is undoubtedly Kyle Tucker, and he is expected to command one of the largest contracts this winter. Tucker was traded from the Houston Astros to the Chicago Cubs last offseason, and this winter, he will decide his future. Whatever contract he lands, it’s likely to be significant.

“Predicted Contract: 10 years, $350 million. This would be the fifth-largest contract ever given to an outfielder, and only Juan Soto ($51 million), Aaron Judge ($40 million) and Mike Trout ($35.5 million) clock in with a higher AAV on their deals,” Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter wrote.

Since the end of the season, Tucker has made it clear that a return to Chicago is unlikely, proving that the trade didn’t pan out as the Cubs had hoped. He didn’t hesitate to make his stance known.

“We'll see what happens. Don't know what the future is going to hold. If not, it's been an honor playing with all these guys and wish everyone best of luck whether it’s playing next year or not with them,” Tucker said.

With free agency underway, several teams could pursue Tucker. According to ESPN insider Jeff Passan, however, the Toronto Blue Jays are the team to beat.

“The Blue Jays, coming off their first World Series berth in more than three decades, have no plans to slow down. They are considered the favorite by other executives to land Tucker,” Passan wrote.

If the Blue Jays secure Tucker, it would be a major boost for their chances of returning to the World Series. After falling just a game short of the championship, both the players and organization are hungry to make it back to the top.

Tucker is the most prized asset this offseason, and landing him would make the Blue Jays the clear winners of free agency. This move could be exactly what propels them over the championship hump.

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