Kyle Tucker enters free agency as a prime-age, five-tool talent expected to command a contract near or over $400 million. The left-handed outfielder has posted consistent Wins Above Replacement totals since 2021 and achieved his third 20-20 season in four years despite a hand injury. Analysts rank him as the top available player, with several teams eyeing him as a key addition.
Kyle Tucker, who will not turn 29 until early in the new year, stands out in the free agent market due to his reliability and all-around skills. According to FanGraphs, his WAR figures since 2021 are 4.9, 4.9, 4.9, 4.2 in a limited 78-game season, and 4.5 last year. Despite playing through a hairline fracture in his right hand, which affected his power, Tucker posted a 136 wRC+—well above the league average of 100—and notched another 20-20 campaign, his third in four seasons.
Many analysts view Tucker as the premier free agent this offseason, projecting a deal approaching or exceeding $400 million. His left-handed swing, highlighted in a Ted Williams documentary for its similarities, excels at pulling the ball in the air (22.7% career rate, above the 16.7% MLB average). He improved to 26.2% in 2024 and 24.8% last season. Defensively and on the bases, Tucker shines, with 119 stolen bases at an 88% success rate, trailing only Josh Lowe and Byron Buxton among active players with at least 80 attempts.
Potential landing spots include the New York Yankees, where his pull power fits Yankee Stadium, which ranks second in home runs on pulled balls by lefties since 2023. The San Francisco Giants need an upgrade in right field, where they ranked 27th in wRC+ (83), despite Oracle Park's challenges for left-handed power. The New York Mets, after losing Pete Alonso and trading Brandon Nimmo, seek offensive punch and outfield depth. Toronto Blue Jays, fresh off big deals for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($500 million) and Dylan Cease (7 years, $210 million), aim for left-handed balance after their lefty bats hit .240/.306/.413 with a 99 wRC+. The Philadelphia Phillies, with an aging core (average 30.3 years), could pair him with Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, addressing poor right field defense (last in Fielding Run Value at -36 since 2023). Even the Los Angeles Dodgers, back-to-back champions but 20th in outfield WAR and with the oldest roster (30.7 years), see value in adding him amid their push for a three-peat.
