Astros Star Kyle Tucker Nears Major Decision As Market Heats Up

As free agency heats up with Kyle Tucker weighing major offers and Alex Bregman settling into Chicago, MLB clubs also turn their focus to the next wave of talent in the international signing period.

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Three Storylines to Watch Across MLB Today

With the offseason heating up and front offices deep in the weeds of roster construction, there are three key developments we’re tracking across the baseball landscape. From a major free agent nearing a decision to a big-name presser in Chicago and the start of international signings, here’s what’s on deck:


1. Is Kyle Tucker about to make his call?

All eyes are on Kyle Tucker, and it sounds like we’re getting close to the finish line. According to reports, the star outfielder could choose his next team as soon as today - and the race appears to be down to three heavyweights: the Mets, Blue Jays, and Dodgers.

The Blue Jays are currently the only team known to have made a formal long-term offer, though the exact terms haven’t surfaced yet. The Mets, meanwhile, have been linked to a couple of different proposals - one rumored to carry a $50 million average annual value, and another structured as a four-year deal. That kind of flexibility suggests they’re serious about landing Tucker, even if the exact framework is still fluid.

Then there’s the Dodgers - the ultimate wild card. L.A. hasn’t tipped its hand publicly, but the allure of joining a championship-caliber team chasing a three-peat speaks for itself.

If they’re in, they’re a threat. Still, unless something changes dramatically, most signs point to Tucker ending up with one of those three clubs.

Anything else would be a shocker.


2. Cubs introduce Alex Bregman

The Cubs are rolling out the red carpet for their newest addition today, holding an introductory press conference for third baseman Alex Bregman. Team president Jed Hoyer and agent Scott Boras are expected to be on hand, and while the focus will be on welcoming Bregman, there’s a good chance we get some insight into how the Cubs plan to juggle their infield depth.

Bregman’s arrival likely bumps Matt Shaw off third base - at least in the short term - and that creates a bit of a logjam. Shaw could slide into a utility role, but there’s also the question of Nico Hoerner, who’s been a steady presence at second.

Hoerner’s name has popped up in trade chatter this winter, though by all accounts, the Cubs aren’t eager to move him. It would take a significant offer to pry him loose.

That said, Bregman brings a veteran presence and postseason pedigree to a Cubs team looking to make a leap. How they balance the infield moving forward will be one of the more intriguing subplots of their offseason.


3. International signing period officially opens

The 2026 international signing window is officially open, giving MLB clubs the green light to ink amateur talent from around the globe. The signing period runs through December 15, and teams are working with bonus pools ranging from just over $8 million to around $5.4 million, depending on market size and revenue-sharing status.

Clubs can trade bonus pool money in $250,000 increments (up to 60% of their original allotment), which adds another layer of strategy to the process. And while many of the top-tier prospects have had handshake agreements in place for years - long before they were eligible to sign - today marks the moment those deals can become official.

Among the most highly touted names in this year’s class are Venezuelan shortstop Luis Hernandez (expected to sign with the Giants), Venezuelan outfielder Francisco Renteria (linked to the Phillies), and Dominican shortstop Wandy Asigen (tied to the Mets). These are names you’ll want to keep an eye on - the kind of high-upside talent that can reshape a farm system in a few years’ time.

We’ll be tracking signings throughout the day and will have a full roundup of notable deals coming soon.


From marquee free agents to the next wave of international talent, it’s a busy day across the league - and a reminder that the offseason is very much alive. Stay tuned.