After a fast-paced start to the offseason, with Dylan Cease signing a $210 million deal and Cody Ponce a $30 million deal, the Toronto Blue Jays have slowed down significantly.
Tyler Rogers signed a $37 million deal to join the bullpen, but when it comes to Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker, free agent rumors and updates have been slow. They are the only team to have visited with Tucker, but things are still progressing slowly.
Robert Murray of Fansided.com emphasized that Tucker, thanks to having control over the market, can slow-play his free agency. Murray reports that interested teams, like the Blue Jays, will have to be patient with Tucker this winter.
Why Blue Jays will have to be patient with Kyle Tucker
"From a player's perspective, why rush to sign?" Murray writes. "Tucker visited the Blue Jays and will surely want to take other visits to gather as much information on teams before the bidding gets serious.... So yes, while it would be great for Tucker to sign now, let's be patient."
Tucker is the clear top free agent on the market, and will have plenty of teams that at least would have interest. With so many interested teams and a command of the market, Tucker can slow-play things as much as he wants.
The Blue Jays, for example, want to sign Tucker, and likely view him as the clear best option this winter. While Bo Bichette or Cody Bellinger would be quality additions, Tucker is the prize this winter.
More: Kyle Tucker spotted at Blue Jays facility, per MLB insider
Before investing any money into other top-tier position players, the Blue Jays will want to figure out Tucker's market. Whether he signs with Toronto or not, the Blue Jays won't sign other position players until Tucker decides.
With that much leverage and the ability to talk with multiple teams, Tucker can slow-play his free agency. The 28-year-old four-time All-Star is the hottest commodity this winter and is drawing plenty of interest.
But Blue Jays fans and the organization will have to be patient when it comes to his market. They might be interested in getting a deal done, but Tucker is going to take his time, according to Murray's report.
More Blue Jays News:
- Blue Jays reveal Dylan Cease's jersey number never worn before in team history
- Bo Bichette predicted to betray Blue Jays, sign with AL East rival in MLB free agency
- Kyle Tucker's Blue Jays visit sparks 'dream' potential lineup for Toronto
- Former MLB GM reveals Max Scherzer's Blue Jays free agent wish
- Dylan Cease contract details for $210 million Blue Jays deal revealed