The Kyle Tucker sweepstakes could be nearing an end as the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays all recently met with the All-Star outfielder.
It is believed that the Blue Jays have offered Tucker a long-term contract, while the Mets and Dodgers prefer to sign him to a short-term deal.
New York reportedly extended Tucker a short-term contract that would pay him $50 million per season, while L.A. is said to be waiting out the market.
As activity begins to pick up, Tucker reportedly could make his free agency decision as soon as this week, via Will Sammon of The Athletic:
Multiple industry sources suggested that a decision from Tucker, who turns 29 on Saturday, could come as early as this week.
The Blue Jays have long been considered the favorite to sign Tucker, but the Mets or Dodgers could make a late push if they are willing to offer a record-setting average annual salary.
It was previously reported the Dodgers had a preference of signing Tucker to a contract similar to Alex Bregman’s deal with the Boston Red Sox heading into the 2025 season, which was essentially a one-year deal with options to protect the infielder in case of injury.
The Dodgers took a similar approach when Bryce Harper was a free agent in 2019 as they offered him a short-term deal with a high average annual salary before he ultimately joined the Philadelphia Phillies on a 13-year, $330 million contract.
There has not been any public indication suggesting Tucker would be open to a short-term contract with the Dodgers or any other team to this point.
Kyle Tucker wants to avoid the spotlight?
One potential driving force in Tucker’s negotiations is that he reportedly has a preference for not being the center of attention. Although all three teams pursuing him play in major markets, Tucker would not be asked to be the primary star on any of them.
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