The Toronto Blue Jays were handed a surprising update on their pursuit of Kyle Tucker.
Tucker is the top free agent available, and his decision could come as soon as Thursday. The star outfielder reportedly has offers on the table from the Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Yet, the Blue Jays are the only team that is willing to go long-term with Tucker. And, MLB insider Jeff Passan reported on Sportsnet on Wednesday evening that Toronto is willing to go as long as 10 years for Tucker.
“The Toronto Blue Jays have really been the only team that has shown the willingness to go as deep as 10 years, potentially,” Passan said on Sportsnet. “Now, the New York Mets have entered the fray, and they are coming in at $50 million a year, and that is a lot of money for anyone to turn down on an annual basis. The Dodgers are going to come to.
“And, the market may work backward at this point. It started off high; that was the expectation, that was the hope, but it didn’t materialize quite as he had liked. Now, he’s going to get back down, get that AAV juiced up, and suddenly all bets are off.”
It’s been reported that Tucker wants a long-term deal, and if the Blue Jays are willing to go up to 10 years, it could be a positive sign.
Tucker hit .266 with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs last season with the Chicago Cubs as he dealt with injuries.
Decision on Tucker Could Happen Soon
Tucker’s long-drawn-out free agency is nearing an end.
The star outfielder is reportedly close to making a decision. Mets insider Mike Puma reported on Wednesday that New York is bracing for a decision one way or another.
“Mets expect to receive an answer relatively soon on Kyle Tucker,” Puma wrote on X. “Team brass at the moment doesn’t have a read on which way he might be leaning.”
It’s been reported that a decision could come as soon as Thursday, as Jon Heyman confirmed Puma’s report.
“Folks involved say a deal for No. 1 free agent Kyle Tucker could come as soon as today,” Heyman wrote on X. “Ex-teammates guess he’d prefer Toronto over an even bigger market (and like spring near Tampa). Mets offered $50M-a-year deal. Dodgers are used to winning. Anyone else is a major upset.”
Tucker is a four-time MLB All-Star.
Tucker Waiting on Blue Jays to Up AAV
Toronto has been aggressive in trying to land Tucker, and it appears there is one key holdup in negotiations.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported the holdup is the salary, as Tucker is holding out for more money from the Blue Jays.
“He doesn’t want to go through the whole free agency experience again,” Nightengale said on Foul Territory. “I’m sure he thought there’d be more offers. What happened to those $400, $500 million deals that were talked about last summer? I think he’s waiting for the Blue Jays to up the AAV.
“The Blue Jays are offering six or seven years, get them to hike it up another $5-10 million a year. They aren’t going to the Mets level, but they can certainly raise it; that is what he’s waiting for.”
Although the Blue Jays won’t get to $50 million per season, perhaps if Toronto adds a bit more money it will be enough to land Tucker.
Blue Jays Get Surprising Update on Kyle Tucker as Contract Details Leak