The Toronto Blue Jays are likely the favorites to land superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker in free agency this winter. But, there are a few other clubs who've shown interest in Tucker, and could pry the four-time All-Star from the Blue Jays.
While it's hardly a surprise that such a talented player is drawing interest from around the league, Robert Murray of Fansided.com reports two other teams that are the favorites alongside the Blue Jays.
Surprisingly, the Blue Jays' top competition for Tucker won't include the New York Yankees, despite their AL East division rival being linked to Tucker at points this winter. Instead, the Blue Jays have their World Series rival and another New York team to contend with.
Blue Jays' top competition for Kyle Tucker includes Dodgers, Mets, but not Yankees
Murray lists the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets as the two other suitors for Tucker in free agency, other than the Blue Jays.
"The Los Angeles Dodgers make sense," Murray writes. "... The New York Mets feel like a team that needs to make a splash,"
Toronto's top competition for Tucker, according to Murray, is the Dodgers and the Mets. With the Dodgers planning for a short-term deal, and the Mets not willing to go beyond three years so far this free agency, the Blue Jays might have a clear path to Tucker.
The former Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs outfielder is seeking a long-term deal, and while the Dodgers and Mets have typically shown a willingness to do so, this winter seems to be different.
More: Kyle Tucker spotted at Blue Jays facility, per MLB insider
After their big spending sprees the last few offseasons, with Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers and Mets aren't likely to offer the long-term deal the Blue Jays can offer.
In comparison, the Yankees aren't expected to offer such lofty contracts this winter. They've expressed a desire to keep payroll under control, and that leads to the Yankees not being one of the top suitors for Tucker.
The Blue Jays' signing Tucker is a great fit. As Murray writes, "it makes too much sense for the Jays to ignore."
Toronto has the means to make a splash this winter, and with its lackluster competition when it comes to money and a long-term deal, its odds of signing Tucker look greater than ever.
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