It appears that signing Kazuma Okamoto did not take the Toronto Blue Jays out of the Kyle Tucker market.
In an article posted Monday, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand noted that two industry sources still tabbed the Blue Jays as the most likely destination for Tucker, the consensus top free agent on the market from since the start of the off-season.
One of Feinsand’s sources noted that signing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to his megadeal last year was a clear signal Toronto is all-in to win, and adding Dylan Cease earlier this off-season proved Toronto still had its foot on the gas after a 2025 season that saw them come within two outs of a World Series championship.
Feinsand also notes that signing Tucker would push the Jays’ payroll well above $300 million, but Toronto will have plenty of money coming off the books after the 2026 season that could alleviate the cost of this off-season’s haul. The expiring contracts of George Springer, Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber and Daulton Varsho will free up approximately $70 million in salary, indicating the Jays may have more flexibility to add this winter and beyond.
Feinsand reports Tucker has been connected to other teams, such as the Yankees, Mets, Diamondbacks, Giants and Dodgers, though his high price tag will likely limit teams seriously involved in the bidding. Feinsand also notes the Yankees and Mets may prefer outfielder Cody Bellinger to Tucker, but a team that doesn’t land him could be motivated to turn Tucker’s way if he’s still on the market.
Tucker visited the Blue Jays’ complex in Dunedin, Fla., last month. However, Feinsand adds there hasn’t been much movement in his market recently as the calendar inches closer to the start of spring training.
ESPN’s Buster Olney said on TSN 1050 Toronto last week that the Jays remain in a good position to land either Tucker or reach a reunion with infielder Bo Bichette. That was before Okamoto’s signing from over the weekend, but multiple reports have indicated signing him won’t preclude Toronto from adding another big bat.
The 28-year-old Tucker slashed .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs and 73 RBI last season, making the All-Star Team for the fourth year in a row. Except Tucker’s first half of 2025 was significantly better than his second, with his OPS dropping .144 points after the All-Star Break. He also dealt with a hairline fracture in his hand during the middle portion of the season and had a calf strain that caused him to miss time in September.
Tucker is also a two-time Silver Slugger and has a career OPS of .865 in eight MLB seasons.