Kyle Tucker remains the sole big fish in the market after the recent signing of Alex Bregman by the Chicago Cubs. His contract offers are expected to eclipse any of the deals that Bregman or marquee free agents like Cody Bellinger or Bo Bichette are set to receive.
Teams in contention have questioned whether Tucker deserves a long-term commitment due to injury concerns in the last two years. Initially expected to sign a ten-year deal by multiple publications, his market has dwindled with teams reportedly offering him contracts in the seven-year range.
According to former corner infielder and outfielder Eduardo Perez, on MLB Network Radio on Jan. 12, Kyle Tucker is a must-have on any team for a seven-year contract as he will lift the roster with five-tool abilities.
“[Tucker’s] a no-brainer to get signed. If you have to go 7 years with him, I don’t see the risk,” he said. “He’s been a guy that every year has been able to post. This year, lingered with some injuries, but all in all, to me, Kyle Tucker is a no-brainer.”
“If he goes to Toronto, who he’s met with, then they’re going to get a winner. If he goes to the Yankees, they’re going to get a winner. If he goes to the Mets, they’re going to get a winner. It does not matter the ballpark with Kyle Tucker….”
The Blue Jays have been said to be the most aggressive for Tucker this offseason. They have already spent $337 million this winter, but Tucker’s player best suits their current championship needs.
But signing the four-time All-Star also makes sense for either of the New York clubs, especially the Mets, who are dealing with the loss in production of Pete Alonso in their lineup, along with the trades of Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo.
The Yankees are focused on Cody Bellinger, but ESPN’s Buster Olney reported on Saturday that both sides have an ‘impasse’ and Brian Cashman and co. are looking at Tucker as an alternative.
Kyle Tucker Met With Mets, Dodgers and Blue Jays
According to radio personality Jim Duquette, on his X account on Sunday, three teams: the New York Mets, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays had held an in-person meeting or a video conference with Tucker.
“A League source confirmed to me that the three main teams involved in the Tucker negotiations (Tor, LAD, NYM) have all met with the player, either in person or over Zoom, as part of the recruiting process for a star player. Will be interesting to see if any of the 3 teams increase their offers soon to separate themselves from the other,” he wrote.
The two-time defending champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, are definitely the dark horses in the sweepstakes, as they could make use of the shrinking Tucker market and offer him a short-term contract with a larger annual salary with opt-outs.
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