Mets lead Kyle Tucker long-term sweepstakes while “clearly a gap” clouds Yankees–Cody Bellinger negotiations

All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker has been in the news over the last few days, with his free agency starting to heat up. The four-time All-Star became a free agent at the end of the 2025 season.

Tucker earned his fourth consecutive All-Star selection last season with the Chicago Cubs and headed into the offseason as one of the most sought-after free agents.

The former Houston Astros star has been linked with a move to the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency. However, according to the latest reports from MLB insider Ben Nicholson-Smith, the Mets have emerged as the “best” candidate to land Tucker.

The Mets are looking to strengthen their outfield after a mini-overhaul in the offseason, and Tucker provides depth in the outfield while also bolstering the hitting order, which features Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor.

Meanwhile, the New York Yankees’ pursuit of former outfielder Cody Bellinger has hit a bump as Jack Curry of YES reported that there is “clearly a gap” between Bellinger and the Yankees.

Bellinger has been linked with a return to the Bronx all offseason after his strong 2025 with the Yankees. The AL East franchise reportedly made a second offer for Bellinger in free agency this month.

Blue Jays could go all in for All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker

While the Mets are reportedly leading the race for Kyle Tucker, the Blue Jays are not out of it. According to MLB insider Mark Feinsand, the World Series runner-ups remain interested in the outfielder even after signing infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million deal.

According to a source, the Blue Jays could finish their spending spree, which started with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s record extension last year, by signing Tucker.

“Once they gave Vladdy [Guerrero Jr.] the extension, they sent a message that they were going all-in to win,” a source told Feinsand. “Signing [Dylan] Cease was big, but adding Tucker would finish off a pretty impressive 12 months for them.”

It’ll be interesting to see if the Blue Jays extend their payroll by signing Tucker or the Mets flex their muscle to break their quiet offseason.