The Toronto Blue Jays have been one of the most active teams in pursuit of superstar free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker this offseason.
While they have been a front-runner to sign him, the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets have been two other teams with high interest in him. At this point in time, there is no report on which team may have the upper hand to signing Tucker.
However, a new update has been provided on where the Dodgers stand in the race to sign Tucker that could be great news for the Blue Jays.
ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan doesn’t think that Los Angeles is likely to get too terribly aggressive with Tucker.
“The Dodgers are exercising patience. They just don’t have to be proactive in markets they believe will come to them,” Passan wrote. “Would they like Tucker? Sure. Anyone would. Will they chase him? Nope. Not unless it’s on a shorter-term deal.”
He continued on, giving more insight into how the Dodgers are conducting themselves in free agency this offseason.
“Same with any free agent, really, because the Dodgers are now at the point where players believe their best chance at a World Series ring runs through Los Angeles, and the calendar is starting to force them to consider options they might not have otherwise.”
Where Do the Toronto Blue Jays Stand in the Kyle Tucker Sweepstakes?
With that update being shared, where does that leave Toronto as a potential destination for Tucker?
Quite simply, they’re one of the top two teams from an aggressiveness standpoint. The other team is the Mets, who reportedly have a $50 million per year offer on the table.
MLB insider Robert Murray has confirmed that New York has a massive offer out to Tucker.
“The New York Mets are pursuing superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker — and have made a short-term offer worth $50 million per season, sources say,” Murray wrote. “John Mincone first reported the Mets’ offer. The structure of the deal (not just the number) signals how aggressively the Mets are willing to reshape the market.”
It has also been reported that the Blue Jays are willing to offer a long-term deal. That report was shared by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.
Kyle Tucker Would Take Toronto’s World Series Chances Up Drastically
Last season, Toronto came up just short against the Dodgers in the World Series. While the Blue Jays are expected to lose Bo Bichette this offseason in free agency, adding Tucker would be an upgrade.
Throughout his career, Tucker has been one of the best pure bats in baseball. He’s also good defensively. Bringing in an elite hitter alongside of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would be a recipe for success.
Tucker hit 22 home runs, drove in 73 RBI, and slashed .266/.377/.464 last season in 136 games despite dealing with injury issues. If he can stay healthy, he’s one of the best players in baseball.
Expect to hear more updates about Toronto’s pursuit of Tucker in the near future. For now, this update about Los Angeles could be a step in the direction of the Blue Jays getting a deal done with the superstar free agent.
Blue Jays Get Good Kyle Tucker News After Latest Dodgers Update