How a short-term deal could benefit Kyle Tucker

Outfielder Kyle Tucker is one of the biggest names left in free agency.

Tucker, however, may also have an offer on the table. According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Mets have offered Tucker somewhere between $120M to $140M on a three-year deal. ESPN's Jesse Rogers reported that the Blue Jays have made a long-term offer to Tucker, although the dollar amount was not specified.

Looking ahead, the potential 2026-27 MLB free agent class is headlined by pitchers. Tarik Skubal, Chris Sale, Kevin Gausman, Freddy Peralta and Brandon Woodruff are among the arms available, providing a deep and talented collection of starters. The same cannot be said when it comes to hitting. Unless the Braves decline their $17M option on outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr., the top position players may be outfielder Randy Arozarena and infielders Nico Hoerner and Jazz Chisholm.

A weak-hitting 2026-27 free-agent class could provide financial boost for Kyle Tucker

The dearth of difference-makers on offense could benefit Tucker. He would clearly be the top hitter in free agency as the only true difference maker available. 

A perfect example for Tucker would be third baseman Alex Bregman. He languished in free agency before signing a three-year, $120M contract with an opt-out after each year with the Red Sox. Bregman re-entered free agency this offseason, receiving a five-year contract worth $175M from the Cubs.

A similar contract to what Bregman received from the Red Sox may benefit Tucker this offseason. He struggled in the second half due to a fractured right hand and a calf strain, posting a .231/.360/.378 batting line with five homers and six doubles over 174 plate appearances. Tucker also turned down the qualifying offer, with teams incurring a penalty for bringing him on board.

Re-entering free agency would remove any penalty associated with the franchise tag. Likewise, Tucker would have the chance to prove that he is healthy and have a stronger season heading into the market. He would be 29 years old and still in the midst of his hypothetical prime. If Tucker is unable to get the type of payday he hoped for, a short-term deal with opt-outs could be his best option.