Kyle Tucker Sweepstakes Nearing the Finish Line - Blue Jays Still in the Hunt
We’re approaching the final stretch in the Kyle Tucker free agency saga, and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest decisions of the MLB offseason. With the baseball world watching closely, the All-Star outfielder is expected to make his call by the weekend - and three teams are still in the mix: the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
MLB insider Jon Heyman reported on MLB Network that Tucker’s decision could come as early as Thursday, but it’s unlikely to drag into the weekend. That timeline gives teams just a few more days to make their final pitch - and fans a few more sleepless nights.
Heyman also hinted that Toronto might be more than just a finalist - they could be Tucker’s preferred destination. While nothing is set in stone, there’s growing buzz that the Blue Jays are very much in this race, and possibly even leading it.
“A lot of people thought it was going to be [Thursday], and it could still be,” Heyman said. “It probably won’t go into the weekend.”
What’s fueling the Toronto speculation? For starters, Tucker’s connections to several former teammates from his time with the Cubs and Astros have reportedly led some to believe he might favor a market that’s a bit less intense - and Toronto checks that box. It’s not New York or L.A. in terms of media pressure, and that could work in the Blue Jays’ favor.
Plus, there’s geography. Tucker hails from Tampa, Florida, and Toronto’s Spring Training facility in nearby Dunedin could be a draw. He visited the complex back in December, and according to Heyman, that proximity might give the Jays a slight edge.
But it’s not just about location - it’s about commitment. And Toronto appears ready to go the distance.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported earlier this week that the Blue Jays are the only team known to be willing to offer a deal potentially stretching to 10 years. That’s a significant long-term investment, and it signals just how serious Toronto is about bringing Tucker north of the border.
Meanwhile, the Mets are reportedly offering a shorter deal - somewhere in the three-to-four-year range - but with a hefty $50 million average annual value. That kind of offer speaks to New York’s win-now mentality, but it may not be enough to compete with the security of a decade-long pact.
The Dodgers, of course, are always lurking. With their deep pockets and perennial contender status, they’re never out of a bidding war. But at this stage, it sounds like Toronto and New York are the most aggressive suitors.
For Blue Jays fans, this moment feels familiar - maybe a little too familiar. Just last offseason, Toronto was in the thick of things with Juan Soto before he ultimately chose the Mets and their record-breaking 15-year, $765 million offer.
And who could forget the Shohei Ohtani saga in 2024? That infamous plane watch had fans believing Ohtani was Toronto-bound, only for him to land with the Dodgers instead.
This time, though, the Jays have already made serious moves. They’ve spent over $300 million this winter, bringing in Cody Ponce, Dylan Cease, Tyler Rogers, and Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto. They’re not just dipping their toes in the water - they’re diving in headfirst.
If Kyle Tucker joins that group, it would be the crown jewel of an already aggressive offseason for the reigning American League champions. It would also send a clear message to the rest of the league: Toronto isn’t just trying to contend - they’re building to win it all.
The clock is ticking. By the weekend, we’ll know where one of baseball’s premier outfielders is headed. And if it’s Toronto, the Blue Jays’ offseason could go from impressive to downright historic.