<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kyle-tucker" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyle Tucker</a> has emerged as a key figure creating uncertainty about his future in the MLB. After a year with the Chicago Cubs and seven with the Houston Astros, Tucker is exploring options for the 2026 season. Potential suitors include the New York Yankees and New York Mets. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly expressed robust interest, especially following their acquisition of Japanese standout Kazuma Okamoto.



According to MLB.com‘s Mark Feinsand, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-blue-jays" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blue Jays</a> are making a concerted effort to land Tucker despite signing Okamoto. “Despite signing infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million deal last week, two industry sources still consider the Blue Jays to be the frontrunners for Tucker,” Feinsand reported.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-yankees" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yankees</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-mets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mets</a> are now keenly aware of the Blue Jays’ strong interest in Tucker. In addition, the Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly in the fray, and there is speculation about a potential reunion with the Cubs come 2026.



Teams eyeing Tucker to enhance their rosters will need to consider the financial commitment, which is reportedly in the $400 million range. However, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/mlb/mlb-rumors-kyle-tucker-reportedly-willing-to-make-sacrifice-amid-ny-mets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tucker may be open to adjustments amid the fierce competition from the Mets</a>, Yankees, Dodgers, Cubs, and Blue Jays.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260106_BUS_557191_kyle_ce16e9f8.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Kyle Tucker" class="wp-image-551593"></figure><figcaption>Kyle Tucker #30 with the Cubs tosses his bat away after he hit a solo home run.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The Blue Jays’ winning ambitions</h2>



The Blue Jays’ recent World Series participation has shifted the organization’s focus to winning it all in 2026. According to Feinsand, this ambition partly explains why Toronto didn’t stop at acquiring Okamoto for the upcoming <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/mlb">MLB</a> season.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/mlb/phillies-could-lose-key-player-to-giants-amid-san-franciscos-interest-in-kyle-tucker-and-bo-bichette"></div>


“The Blue Jays’ lineup is already formidable, but adding another big left-handed bat would cement Toronto as frontrunners in the American League. ‘Once they extended Vladdy [Guerrero Jr.], they signaled their all-in approach,’ a source noted. ‘Signing [Dylan] Cease was significant, but acquiring Tucker would cap a remarkable year for them,&apos;” Feinsand noted.



<h2>Projected Blue Jays lineup with Tucker</h2>



With the current talent on their roster, the Blue Jays are already strong contenders in the American League. Adding Tucker would solidify their status as one of the most formidable teams in MLB for the upcoming season.



Here’s a look at a projected lineup with Tucker included:



<ol><li>George Springer DH</li><li>Kyle Tucker RF</li><li>Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1B </li><li>Anthony Santander LF </li><li>Daulton Varsho CF </li><li>Kazuma Okamoto 3B</li><li>Alejandro Kirk C</li><li>Ernie Clement 2B</li><li>Andres Gimenez SS</li></ol>


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="695d08e9e2d53b59fb2f07b5" data-title="Will the Blue Jays sign Kyle Tucker for the next season?" data-options="2"></div>

MLB Rumors: NY Yankees, NY Mets know Blue Jays’ reported decision on Kyle Tucker after signing Okamoto

MLB Rumors: NY Yankees, NY Mets know Blue Jays' reported decision on Kyle Tucker after signing Okamoto - Bolavip US

miniaturas

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kyle-tucker">Kyle Tucker</a> is a player who has been linked to the New York Mets and several other MLB teams, including the Blue Jays. According to sources such as Spotrac, his market value has been estimated at around $30-40 million per year. However, a new report from Bob Nightengale suggests that the financial outlook for Tucker may have shifted.



In an article for USA Today Sports, Nightengale reports that Tucker is now likely to settle for a much smaller contract than originally projected. That would represent a significant sacrifice, with Tucker potentially opting for a higher annual value on a shorter-term deal and then returning to free agency in hopes of landing something bigger down the road.



“He was projected to earn a contract in the $400 million neighborhood but could have to instead take a higher AAV on a short-term contract and hit the market again after two consecutive injury-plagued second halves,” Nightengale wrote.



<h2>What was Tucker’s salary last season?</h2>



The Cubs paid Tucker $16.5 million on a one-year deal last season. Dating back to 2023, his earnings had already climbed significantly, and there was an expectation that his salary could double by 2026 if the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-mets">Mets</a> or any other team signs him.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="King Tuck! 👑 Kyle Tucker&apos;s best moments with the Cubs in 2025! 🐻" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oUHsaA4_BF0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



Tucker’s career earnings currently stand at $40.4 million, with the Astros accounting for $23 million of that total over eight seasons. A new contract paying at least $30 million per year would allow Tucker to add nearly as much to his career earnings in a single season.


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In his article, Nightengale also noted that it is common for teams to wait until late in the offseason to negotiate better prices with free agents. “Everyone always waits for free agents’ price tags to plummet, or at least for the years to drop, and nothing ever seems to get done until close to spring training, or even in March,” Nightengale wrote.

MLB Rumors: Kyle Tucker reportedly willing to make sacrifice amid NY Mets interest

MLB Rumors: Kyle Tucker reportedly willing to make sacrifice amid NY Mets interest - Bolavip US

Kyle Tucker reportedly willing to make sacrifice amid NY Mets interest

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-phillies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia Phillies</a> are looking at a Gold Glove push away from them after having a big year. The San Francisco Giants, who are interested in Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette, might also be the ones poaching the talent from the City of Brotherly Love.



Harrison Bader had an incredibly productive season in 2025. However, the outfielder is now sitting in free agency looking to cash a big payday and the Phillies might lose the battle for his services to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-giants" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giants</a>.



According to Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report, it’s the San Francisco Giants the ones that could tempt Bader to not return to Philadelphia. “The Giants are still a dark horse to make a run at Kyle Tucker or Bo Bichette, but with more pressing needs in the starting rotation, they will likely aim a bit lower if they make another addition to their lineup,” Reuter said. “A defensive standout like Harrison Bader even more valuable as a potential target to man center field.”



<h2>Bader is a talented player on both ends</h2>



Bader was one of the best defenders in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/mlb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLB</a>, and his bat was well above league average. He is a very complete player. Jung Hoo Lee (-18 DRS, -5 OAA) and Heliot Ramos (-6 DRS, -9 OAA)&nbsp;were very defficient defensively, and Bader would be a massive improvement for the Giants in that regard.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260103_BUS_555771_GettyImages-22339309192-Bolavip_4c134cc3.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Harrison Bader played for the Phillies" class="wp-image-486563" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Harrison Bader played for the Phillies</figcaption></figure>



Also, San Francisco has a huge outfield. A guy like Bader could easily help out and turn triples into doubles and doubles into singles with his defensive play. His defense alone would make Bader one of the more important names on the Giants roster.


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<h2>Landing Bader would allow the Giants to make more moves</h2>



Being a cheaper option than Bichette and Tucker, Bader would be great. Landing him would allow the Giants to buy big on an ace while still get a top-of-the-line player. It’s literally the best-case scenario and one must wonder if the Giants should stop pursuing Bichette or <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kyle-tucker" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tucker</a> altogether to focus on Bader before the Phillies convince him to return.



The Giants need a second base, that’s why a guy like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bo-bichette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bichette</a> is really tempting. Still, it also seems like the team isn’t ready to deploy such a big contract. Hence, trading for Brandon Lowe of the Rays or Brendan Donovan of the Cardinals could become real possibilities for them to solve the second base problem.

Phillies could lose key player to Giants amid San Francisco’s interest in Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette

Phillies could lose key player to Giants amid San Francisco's interest in Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-mets">New York Mets</a> remain involved in one of baseball’s most closely watched free-agent pursuits, though much of their attention this offseason has been focused on re-signing <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cody-bellinger">Cody Bellinger</a>. Former Chicago Cubs star outfielder Kyle Tucker also entered the market as one of the best remaining free agents, boasting a combination of power, youth, and defensive versatility that makes him a premium asset.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kyle-tucker">Tucker</a> missed part of the 2025 season due to injury but still delivered strong numbers when on the field. His profile as a left-handed power hitter made many project a $400 million contract this offseason. 



Jon Heyman of the New York Post provided context for the Mets’ approach in a December 29 livestream, stating, “Mets [for] Tucker? I mean, that’s a long ways away if that happens, because right now they’re looking at [Cody] Bellinger. I got a couple [of] other teams I’m looking at for Tucker more than the Mets.” This suggests that while Tucker is a logical fit, the Mets’ current focus is firmly on Bellinger.



<h2>Mets still a factor in Tucker sweepstakes</h2>



Despite the primary focus on re-signing Bellinger, insiders maintain that the Mets should not be written off in the Tucker chase. MLB.com reporter Mark Feinsand wrote in a January 1 article, “Toronto remains the favorite to land Tucker, sources said, though the Mets can’t be counted out, given their need for outfield help and their general willingness to spend big when they feel it’s appropriate.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260103_BUS_555455_tucker-1_e3365185.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Kyle Tucker" class="wp-image-550210"></figure><figcaption>Kyle Tucker #30 with the Cubs high-fives teammates in the dugout. Michael Reaves/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Timing could determine outcome</h2>


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The timing of any decision may be critical for New York. If Tucker signs with another team before the Mets finalize a strategy, and Bellinger re-signs with the Yankees, the Mets could be left without either player. That scenario would create a significant void in the outfield and complicate roster construction ahead of the 2026 season.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="69593cdfe2d53b59fb2f0781" data-title="Should the Mets prioritize signing Kyle Tucker if Bellinger returns to the Yankees?" data-options="4"></div>


As the offseason progresses, the Mets’ approach to both Bellinger and Tucker will likely define their ability to contend next year. While Bellinger remains the top priority, experts agree the team cannot be dismissed entirely from the ongoing Kyle Tucker free-agent narrative, leaving fans watching closely for any shift in the market.

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NY Mets reportedly remain in Kyle Tucker hunt amid Cody Bellinger focus - Bolavip US

NY Mets reportedly remain in Tucker hunt amid Bellinger focus

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-dodgers">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> could once again position themselves to land one of the top free agents available this offseason: <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kyle-tucker">Kyle Tucker</a>. Despite winning back-to-back World Series titles, Los Angeles has been looking to improve, particularly in the outfield, and Tucker represents one of the most impactful additions on the market.



The Dodgers have been linked to Tucker, and the team reportedly received encouraging news regarding a potential deal. His market has been slow-moving, creating a window for Los Angeles to explore options.



MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post hinted that Tucker could consider a short-term deal with the Dodgers if a long-term agreement isn’t on the table. “The undisputed No. 1 free agent hasn’t stirred many rumors since he was spotted touring the Jays’ beautiful spring home at Dunedin… But if he doesn’t mind resetting, the Dodgers could become an option for a short-term and high AAV,” Heyman wrote.



<h2>Dodgers open to short-term contract</h2>



Previously, Los Angeles was not considered a front-runner for Tucker due to expectations of a lucrative long-term deal. However, the slow pace of his market has renewed its opportunity. According to Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo of The Athletic, the Dodgers are willing to offer a three-to-four-year contract with a high annual average value, similar to what Alex Bregman received in 2025 with Boston.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260102_BUS_554879_kyle-tucker-dodgers_9418d05d.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-554880"></figure><figcaption>Kyle Tucker #30 of the Cubs bats against the Giants. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Dodgers’ quiet offseason could turn aggressive</h2>


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While the Dodgers were initially expected to maintain a quieter offseason, GM Brandon Gomes emphasized a targeted approach to roster upgrades: “By being aggressive over the last couple offseasons, we do have a very, very good core in place… It’s being very targeted in who we go out and look to acquire.”


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6957e532e2d53b59fb2f0770" data-title="Should the Dodgers pursue Kyle Tucker?" data-options="3"></div>


If Los Angeles moves on Tucker, it would mark a significant splash and reinforce the Dodgers’ continued strategy of fine-tuning a championship-caliber roster. The possibility of adding Tucker in a high-impact, short-term deal could make the Dodgers even more formidable heading into 2026.

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Dodgers receive key update on Kyle Tucker amid slow-moving free-agent market - Bolavip US

Dodgers receive key update on Tucker amid slow-moving free-agent market

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-blue-jays">Toronto Blue Jays</a> have added another arm to their pitching staff, though this latest addition is unlikely to see game action in 2026. The move underscores the team’s ongoing roster reshaping as it reportedly pursues key players like Bo Bichette and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kyle-tucker">Kyle Tucker</a>.



Josh Winckowski, 27, spent the majority of his career with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-red-sox">Boston Red Sox</a>, but missed significant time this year due to an elbow strain that required surgery earlier this month. His new agreement with the Blue Jays was reported by Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, though the team has yet to announce it.



“Source: Right-hander Josh Winckowski is signing a two-year minor league deal with the #BlueJays. Had internal brace surgery earlier this month. Hoping to pitch late in 2026. Plan right now is to build him back up as a starter when he’s healthy,” Adams wrote.



<h2>Winckowski’s career path and background</h2>



Winckowski’s connection to the Blue Jays dates back to 2016, when Toronto originally drafted him out of high school. After a series of trades, he eventually landed with Boston, where he made his major league debut in 2022 as a starter. That season, he posted a 5-7 record with a 5.89 ERA and 44 strikeouts over 70 innings.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260101_BUS_554606_Winckowski_79ae3931.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-554611"></figure><figcaption>Josh Winckowski #25 with the Red Sox pitches the ball. Abigail Dean/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



In 2023, he transitioned effectively to the bullpen, emerging as one of the Red Sox’s most reliable relievers. He appeared in 60 games, recording a 2.88 ERA and 82 strikeouts across 88 innings. Despite a promising start to 2025, his season ended prematurely due to the elbow injury that now requires rehabilitation.


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<h2>Outlook with the Blue Jays</h2>



The two-year minor league deal gives Winckowski the time to properly recover without immediate pressure to contribute at the big-league level. The move also reunites him with the franchise that first drafted him, offering a fresh start with a club focused on strengthening its roster for both the present and future. 


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="69569555e2d53b59fb2f075e" data-title="How soon could Josh Winckowski make an impact for the Blue Jays?" data-options="4"></div>


The Blue Jays’ front office will likely monitor his recovery closely while continuing their aggressive offseason pursuits, including efforts to retain Bichette and potentially add impact players like Tucker.

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Blue Jays add former Red Sox pitcher recovering from injury amid Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker chase - Bolavip US

Blue Jays add former Red Sox pitcher while rehabbing injury amid Bichette, Tucker chase

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-mets">New York Mets</a> have remained on the periphery of the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes throughout the offseason, largely because they are one of the few organizations capable of absorbing a contract of that magnitude. Still, as the calendar winds down, Tucker’s market has shown little momentum.



Along with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-yankees">New York Yankees</a>, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays, the Mets were initially viewed as a logical fit for Tucker, who is expected to command a deal in the range of 10 years and $400 million. That price point has effectively narrowed the field to big-market clubs willing to make a franchise-altering commitment.



After trading <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brandon-nimmo">Brandon Nimmo</a> earlier this winter, speculation grew that New York could pivot toward a marquee outfielder. However, a recent update suggests the Mets’ chances of landing Tucker may be more remote than once believed.



<h2>Mets’ stance on Tucker</h2>



MLB insider Jon Heyman offered a tempered assessment of the situation while speaking on a Bleacher Report live stream, casting doubt on how realistic a Mets–Tucker pairing truly is at this stage.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251231_BUS_554295_Kyle-Tucker-running_30447e4e.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Kyle Tucker running" class="wp-image-541283"></figure><figcaption>Kyle Tucker #30 of the Chicago Cubs in action. Michael Reaves/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



“That’s a long way away if even a possibility,” Heyman said, indicating that while the Mets were once firmly in the conversation, the path to a deal now appears increasingly uncertain.


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<h3>What it means for New York</h3>



The Mets have already endured a turbulent offseason, parting ways with several long-tenured players, including Jeff McNeil, Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, and Nimmo. For now, Tucker remains available—but the Mets’ role in that pursuit appears far less certain than it once did.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="69555c6de2d53b59fb2f074d" data-title="Do you think the Mets should make a serious push to sign Kyle Tucker this offseason?" data-options="4"></div>

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NY Mets' chances of landing Tucker clarified in latest update

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