Updating ongoing coverage, Kyle Tucker's free agency prediction has shifted to the Toronto Blue Jays on a reduced eight-year, $288 million deal, while Cody Bellinger draws renewed Cubs interest and a second Yankees offer amid broader outfielder market talks as of early January 2026.
Following earlier reports naming the Blue Jays as frontrunners for premier free agent Kyle Tucker—including his December visit to their Dunedin facility—Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly has downgraded projections to an eight-year, $288 million pact with Toronto, down from a prior 10-year, $360 million Yankees forecast. This reflects fewer teams prioritizing the 28-year-old, who posted .266/.377/.464 with 22 homers in 2025 after joining the Cubs.
The new article also spotlights Cody Bellinger, the 30-year-old coming off three strong seasons (24 HR, 91 RBI average, .281/.338/.477 slash) split between Cubs, Yankees, and prior clubs. MLB Network's Jon Heyman notes interest from Cubs (reunion potential), Dodgers, Giants, Yankees, and Mets, with New York issuing a second offer per the New York Post. Yankees pursuits include Tucker and trades for pitchers like Freddy Peralta or Edward Cabrera.
Cubs talks with Bellinger remain quiet but align with their links to Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette. Speculation persists on Dodgers pairing Tucker short-term with Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman. As spring training looms, these interconnected negotiations may accelerate.