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Los Angeles Dodgers fans have a new star, and the new York Mets and Toronto Blue jays are scrambling to adjust. Kyle Tucker, the versatile outfielder, has agreed to a four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers, as confirmed by Jeff Passan on January 12, 2024.
Shifting Strategies for the Mets and Blue Jays
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Both teams had extended offers to Tucker before he opted for the West Coast, forcing a reevaluation of their offseason plans.
- The Dodgers landed a significant free agent in Kyle Tucker with a $240 million deal.
- The Mets and Blue Jays are now pivoting to other options after missing out on Tucker.
- Bo Bichette and Cody Bellinger are potential targets for the Blue Jays and Mets, respectively.
- The Yankees are also in contention for Bellinger,with a reported offer on the table.
The mets and Blue Jays both made offers to Tucker prior to his decision, according to Jesse Rogers. Now, both clubs are looking at option ways to bolster their lineups.
Blue Jays Eye Bichette, Phillies Loom
For the Blue Jays, re-signing shortstop Bo Bichette has become a more prominent possibility. Bichette enjoyed a strong 2023 season, tying a career high with a .311 batting average, along with a .357 on-base percentage, .483 slugging percentage, 18 home runs, and 94 RBIs in 139 games.
However,the Blue Jays aren’t alone in pursuing Bichette. They face competition from the Philadelphia Phillies, who recently held a virtual meeting with the free agent shortstop on Monday, as reported by Todd Zolecki. Matt Gelb reported Tuesday that the Phillies “might be the only team willing to extend to six, seven or eight years to sign Bichette.”
Mets Turn Attention to Bellinger, Yankees Remain in the Mix
The Mets, meanwhile, could shift their focus to Cody Bellinger, who has also been in negotiations with the New York Yankees. Bellinger was a productive force for the yankees last season, slashing .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs in 152 games.
as of Monday, the Yankees had presented Bellinger with a five-year deal valued between $155 million and $160 million, according to Brendan Kuty. The offer did not include deferred money, and the Yankees were reportedly open to including opt-out clauses. However,the two sides remain divided on the length of the contract,with Kuty previously reporting that Bellinger is seeking a seven-year agreement.
Both the Mets and Blue Jays initially saw Tucker, a career .273 hitter, as a key addition to their offensive lineups. Now,with Tucker headed to the Dodgers,both teams must determine how much they are willing to commit in terms of years and
