Kyle Tucker enters free agency as the top all-around player on the market following an up-and-down season with the Chicago Cubs. The Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees have shown early interest in the 29-year-old outfielder. Tucker's disciplined hitting and power make him a prime target for teams seeking offensive upgrades.
Kyle Tucker, who posted a 143 OPS+ in 2025 despite playing through a hairline fracture in his right hand, is viewed as the best all-around player available in free agency. The Cubs' right fielder enters his age-29 season in 2026 with a lifetime .865 OPS and at least 4.0 fWAR in each of the past five years.
The Toronto Blue Jays are among the early suitors, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. After falling one win short of the 2025 World Series, Toronto aims to pair Tucker with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for an elite one-two punch in the lineup. Tucker's combination of power and contact aligns with the Blue Jays' approach during their postseason run.
Stiff competition could come from division rivals. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports that the Baltimore Orioles are not ruling out a pursuit of Tucker, even after trading for outfielder Taylor Ward. Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias, who served as the Houston Astros' scouting director when Tucker was selected fifth overall in the 2015 MLB Draft, views him as a potential anchor for Baltimore's youthful lineup. The team, which finished last in the AL East last season and cycled through managers Brandon Hyde and Tony Mansolino before hiring Craig Albernaz, prioritizes pitching but could package prospects like Colton Cowser or Dylan Beavers to acquire Tucker and address rotation needs.
The New York Yankees also loom as contenders, with an outfield vacancy despite Trent Grisham accepting the qualifying offer. With Cody Bellinger entering free agency after a solid debut in pinstripes, Tucker represents an unquestioned upgrade to protect Aaron Judge. Multiple executives have identified Baltimore as an under-the-radar team in the sweepstakes, setting up a competitive AL East battle for Tucker's services.