The Toronto Blue Jays are one of many teams strongly pursuing Kyle Tucker this offseason. While there's bound to be plenty of teams vying for Tucker, the Blue Jays might be the favorites to land the slugger.
They're planning to spend big this winter and have already demonstrated their willingness with their $210 million investment into Dylan Cease and $30 million into Cody Ponce.
But, in a recent update from ESPN insider Jeff Passan, the Blue Jays are likely going to have to be patient with Tucker in free agency. This update paints a picture that Tucker, with numerous interested teams, isn't close to signing a contract just yet.
Blue Jays get patient Kyle Tucker update
"Tucker isn't close to done yet," Passan reports. This update from Passan on Tucker makes it clear that while the Blue Jays, among other clubs, are strongly pursuing Tucker, he's not expected to sign a deal anytime soon.
This counter's the report from fellow ESPN insider Buster Olney, who suggested that "Kyle Tucker has been projected as a $40 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 is sharing that Tucker, if the Blue Jays or another club offers him a massive contract, could sign sooner rather than later. Compared to the Passan report, it's a different tune that indicates that the Blue Jays might not have to wait for Tucker's decision.
More: Kyle Tucker spotted at Blue Jays facility, per MLB insider
But the major caveat is that Tucker receives such a lucrative offer that he can't refuse. While the Blue Jays have the means to make such a deal, Passan's report indicates that such a contract offer isn't on the table.
Otherwise, if the Blue Jays were willing to offer a deal that Tucker would act upon, then a deal wouldn't be labeled as "not close to done yet."
While the Blue Jays are clear suitors for Tucker, and plan to spend big on one of the top hitters this offseason, they are likely to have to wait and be patient when it comes to the former Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs outfielder.
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