With just over a month before players start reporting for spring training, Kyle Tucker remains the most coveted free agent on the market as he looks to sign a long-term contract worth at least $300 million.
Fresh off a disappointing World Series loss, the Toronto Blue Jays have gone all-in this offseason, aggressively signing multiple big-name free agents. With Tucker’s financial demands expected to narrow the field, Toronto’s willingness to spend could position the club as the frontrunner to land the four-time All-Star as his rising price tag pushes other suitors aside.
According to ESPN insider Buster Olney, “If [Kyle] Tucker prefers the most money possible in a long-term deal, the [Blue] Jays could be the best option."
Buster Olney on the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes:
— SleeperBlueJays (@SleeperBlueJays) January 6, 2026
“If Tucker prefers the most money possible in a long-term deal, the Jays could be the best option”
Market for Tucker Tightens
The Blue Jays have already spent $337 million in free agency this offseason, highlighted by the signing of Dylan Cease to a seven-year contract and Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year deal.
That spending comes with the club firmly in the Tucker sweepstakes, while also remaining in talks to re-sign star shortstop Bo Bichette.
Tucker bet on himself this last season, signing a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs and continuing to showcase his rare combination of power and speed. He finished the year with 22 home runs and 25 stolen bases, helping lead the Cubs to the National League Division Series and reinforcing the idea that he is one of the sport’s premier outfielders.
That performance drew interest from several of the big-market contenders, including the New York Yankees, New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, the field may be narrowing.
According to MLB Network insider Mark Feinsand, both the Yankees and Mets could be pivoting away from Tucker, with each club reportedly preferring to sign former MVP Cody Bellinger, who offers similar traits to Tucker at a discounted rate.
UPDATE
— SleeperMets (@SleeperMets) January 6, 2026
The Mets and Yankees are both eager to add impact outfield bats, and reportedly prefer Cody Bellinger over Kyle Tucker, per @Feinsand. Pic.twitter.com/NY6xuY3xhj
That shift could leave Toronto in a bidding war with its World Series adversary, the Dodgers, a team that may be hesitant to give out another big-money, long-term deal with its projected 2025 payroll already exceeding $350 million.
With their sights set on a return to the World Series, the question now is how aggressive the Blue Jays will be in their pursuit of another star for an already elite lineup.