A new report from a notable MLB expert is great news for the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers when it comes to landing Kyle Tucker on a deal they prefer.
Heading into the offseason, while there were quite a few big-time players available in MLB free agency — such as Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso — Kyle Tucker was seen as the best player on the market. And it is understandable why.
The Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs veteran is a four-time All-Star, a three-time member of the All-MLB second team, and has a Gold Glove on his resume from 2022. But most importantly, he is just turning 29 next week. So he is right in the middle of his prime. It is why there was speculation he could land a deal for 10 years and for as much as $400 million.
However, we are a month away from pitchers and catchers arriving at training camp, and he seems no closer to getting the deal he and his agent, Scott Boras, are seeking despite big market teams like the NY Mets, LA Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays allegedly being his top suitors.
Kyle Tucker Will Have To Settle For Short-Term Deal in $200 Million Range?
In recent weeks, there have been rumblings that $400 million deal is looking less likely. However, according to MLB Network expert and former big league GM Steve Phillips, Tucker may have to settle for far less than originally expected. “He’s not getting $400 million, and quite honestly, I don’t even know if there’s $300 million for him,” Phillips said on MLB Radio.
In his opinion, he believes Tucker will come nowhere close to landing a contract for 10 years, and it is starting to look likely that a short-term deal around $200 million is more realistic for him this offseason.
That is great news for the NY Mets and LA Dodgers. Both clubs are definitely interested in the outfielder, but they only want him on a short-term pact. The Blue Jays seem to be the most willing of the three clubs to over five or more years.
Phillips added that if the Jays decide to invest in bringing back Bo Bichette, it will put Tucker in an even more difficult position. Making it even more probable that the Mets or Dodgers land him at their preferred price.
