How Blue Jays could force an early Kyle Tucker free agent decision

Matt Sullivan

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How Blue Jays could force an early Kyle Tucker free agent decision image

The Toronto Blue Jays, after their World Series run in 2025, are one of the more active teams in free agency so far this winter. They signed Dylan Cease to a huge $210 million deal over seven years, and Cody Ponce to a $30 million deal over three seasons.

Those two moves were some of the first and biggest moves of the winter so far. But, when it comes to Kyle Tucker, there might not be a fast-moving free agent market. That is, unless Buster Olney of ESPN's prediction comes true.

Olney outlined how the Blue Jays could get an early free agent decision from Tucker this winter. It's a compelling case, and from both sides, it makes some sense.

How Blue Jays could force early Kyle Tucker free agent decision

"Kyle Tucker has been projected as a $400 million-plus player, but it might behoove him to move quickly if he gets an early, aggressive bid from the Jays (or some other team)." Olney writes. "This is not a winter in which you want to be waiting for the big offers to materialize, as they did for Bryce Harper and Manny Machado in past offseasons."

The reason for this sense of urgency, which could have Tucker signing sooner rather than later, is due to the typically active teams in free agency not spending as much money.

"But there are early indications that a lot of the teams that are traditionally aggressive might be more conservative this winter," Olney writes, "perhaps because of the looming labor situation..."

If other clubs are less willing to spend big on free agents this winter, then Tucker, if he receives a strong offer from the Blue Jays, could decide to jump at the deal to ensure a big payday this offseason.

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

He won't accept a low-ball offer, as even amid an uncertain pool of teams willing to spend big, Tucker will have strong offers from a few teams willing to break the bank for him.

But, with some uncertainty for 2027 due to the looming labor issue, and teams like the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers not willing to spend as big as they otherwise might've, the Blue Jays could have a huge leg-up with Tucker.

If the Blue Jays offered Tucker a 10-plus-year deal worth north of $400 million, they might get the former Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs outfielder to bite on a deal.

With the winter meetings beginning on December 8th, there's bound to be a lot more action on the hot stove. Things are heating up, and Tucker to the Blue Jays could happen soon if things play out as Olney predicts.

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Staff Writer