Will Kyle Tucker Get a $300+ Million Deal This Offseason?
Kyle Tucker is an intriguing free agent this winter and would be a great addition to any team in baseball, but the biggest question is how much the star outfielder will sign for this offseason. His bat is elite, and it showed even more when he put up good numbers in a pitcher-friendly park in Wrigley Field.
Tucker Could Command North Of $300 million
At just 27 years old, Tucker will be looking for a long-term deal that takes him into his late 30s. Jeff Passan reported today that Tucker’s market could stretch into the new year, and he’ll receive a 10-year deal at $300 million-plus, “with an even higher ceiling possible.”
One of the main reasons why he could sign so late is that he needs to wait for another top outfielder, primarily Cody Bellinger, to sign first and set the market for annual value. Tucker’s is kind of robust with no clear team emerging as the favorite for his services. Once Bellinger signs, it could force teams who need an elite-level bat to be more aggressive in their pursuit.
Who Are the Top Suitors?
If they don’t re-sign Cody Bellinger, the Yankees would be the perfect fit for Tucker. Seeking lineup consistency and a dynamic partner for Aaron Judge, the Yankees view Tucker as a solution to their decade-long lack of continuity. For it to work, Tucker would need to play in left field, alongside Trent Grisham, who is the everyday centerfielder.
Another potential fit is the Toronto Blue Jays if they don’t retain Bo Bichette. Toronto was reportedly willing to pursue both him and Bichette, suggesting interest in acquiring a high-impact infielder or outfielder. With Dylan Cease now signed, the team’s strategy could shift to focus on one major addition. Bichette appears to be a primary candidate to return, aiming to help Toronto reach the World Series after last year’s close loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Shifting to the National League, there’s also an outside chance for the New York Mets. With Steve Cohen determined to build a contender, his willingness to spend makes Tucker an attractive target who could immediately elevate the Mets’ lineup. After trading Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers, David Stearns will be urgently seeking outfield reinforcements to keep the team competitive this offseason. Acquiring Tucker would shift the team’s strategy, moving them out of the Pete Alonso sweepstakes and requiring Cohen to invest heavily elsewhere on the roster.
Finally, a dark-horse team could emerge late and sign him to a short-term deal. Such a team may be seeking to add a contributor without a long-term commitment, while providing Tucker an opportunity to re-enter free agency and test the market again. A similar situation arose last year when the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman, who opted out and became a free agent to seek a larger contract.
