Nearly a week after sources pegged the Toronto Blue Jays as frontrunners for star outfielder Kyle Tucker, they remain favorites despite a sluggish market potentially forcing a short-term deal. New roster additions and persistent interest from the Dodgers and others keep the race alive as spring training approaches.
Updating earlier reports from January 2, the Blue Jays—fresh off their American League championship—are positioned best to sign the 29-year-old Tucker, per MLB.com's Mark Feinsand citing industry sources. Tucker's early December visit to Toronto's Dunedin facility underscored their interest.
The Jays have aggressively rebuilt, adding pitchers Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, and Tyler Rogers, plus Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto transitioning from NPB. Tucker, who hit .266 with 22 homers, an .841 OPS, and 4.6 WAR last season for the Chicago Cubs, offers elite production: .278/.380/.511 (150 OPS+), 25 HR, 22 SB, and 4.9 WAR annually over three prior years. However, injury-plagued second halves have cooled his market from $400 million projections to likely shorter-term, high-AAV pacts.
The Dodgers, repeat World Series champs, are 'hovering' for Tucker and free-agent infielder Bo Bichette (27, .291/.333/.445 slash, 114 OPS+ past three years), eyeing deals like Freddie Freeman's. Interest also spans the Yankees, Mets, Diamondbacks, and Giants, though New York teams favor Cody Bellinger. With free agency dragging, Tucker's camp may opt for opt-outs over long-term security.