ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan believes that All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker is in “no rush” to sign a contract amid rumors linking him to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Tucker, who spent last season with the Chicago Cubs, remains among the top unsigned players following the winter meetings. He visited the Blue Jays’ training facility in Dunedin, Florida, this month, though there is no indication he will sign before the new year.
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“Tucker is the clear jewel of the class and the shoo-in for highest-paid player,” Passan wrote on Dec. 18. “The best player can afford patience, so as clear as the ties are to Toronto, there has been no rush for Tucker to get a deal done.”
The Blue Jays turned heads in early December when they signed San Diego Padres pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract. Tucker, who turns 29 in January, is expected to command a deal exceeding $350 million.
What to Know About Kyle Tucker’s Ongoing Free Agency
Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker during the 2025 seasonBrad Penner-Imagn Images
Tucker hit .266 with 22 home runs, 73 RBIs, 25 stolen bases and an .841 OPS in nearly 600 plate appearances for the Cubs. He is a two-time Silver Slugger and earned a Gold Glove following the 2022 season.
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ESPN’s David Schoenfield reported this week that the Philadelphia Phillies are likely out on Tucker. The Phillies re-signed designated hitterKyle Schwarber to a five-year, $150 million contract during the winter meetings and also added former Texas Rangers All-Star outfielder Adolis García on a one-year, $10 million deal. García’s arrival could signal an eventual trade involving Nick Castellanos, the Phillies’ starting right fielder since 2022.
Tucker has also been linked to the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets throughout the offseason. Although the New York Yankees have been mentioned as a possible landing spot, they retained outfielder Trent Grisham — who accepted the one-year qualifying offer in November — and remain interested in a reunion with Cody Bellinger.
Schwarber and former Mets first basemanPete Alonso have already cashed in this offseason. Alonso, the Mets’ all-time home run leader, signed a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles.
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Passan did not rule out the possibility of an upper-tier free agent — such as Tucker or Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette — signing a “short-term, high-dollar” contract that could allow for an opt-out following the 2026 season. Alonso and Boston Red Soxthird basemanAlex Bregman took that route last offseason.
“That’s the long game,” Passan wrote. “For now, the staring contests continue.”
Related: MLB Insider Shares Bo Bichette-Blue Jays Update After Winter Meetings
Related: Mets’ $38 Million Pitcher Offers Candid Thoughts on Edwin Díaz, Pete Alonso Departures
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.