Kyle Tucker really wanted to play for the Blue Jays

Sébastien Berrouard
Kyle Tucker really wanted to play for the Blue Jays
Credit: Bleed Cubbie Blue

When he entered the free agent market, star outfielder Kyle Tucker was considered the number-one target.

Several teams tried their luck, including the Toronto Blue Jays, who seemed to be the favorites to snatch him up. In the end, it was the Los Angeles Dodgers who won the derby, awarding him a four-year contract worth $240 million.

Interest was mutual between the Blue Jays and Tucker, however, and the latter came very close to acquiring his services, according to former Jays and Kansas City Royals Whit Merrifield.

I don't know Kyle personally, but I know people in his camp very well. When he signed with the Dodgers, his agent texted me and confirmed that his client really wanted to go to Toronto.

Money, however, made the difference.

The Jays offered him a ten-year, $350 million contract, but he would have needed more considering his market and comparables. The Blue Jays would only give him $35 million a year. Then the Dodgers came along and offered him $60 million a year. It's hard to say no to that. It's just crazy.

With the best swing in MLB for a left-hander, according to Merrifield, Tucker would have been a great catch for the Canadiens, just what the Blue Jays needed.

I think he probably has the best left-handed swing in Major League Baseball. Shohei probably has more power, but I think Kyle's swing is better. There's so much margin for error in his swing. He can make a little mistake and be successful. For me, if I were looking to sign a player, that's the kind of thing I'd look at.

Instead, Tucker will line up with the two-time defending champions, making it even harder for the Blue Jays to repeat last year's feats and even take top honors.

This content was created with the help of AI.

facebook icon Share twitter icon Tweet linkedin icon Share
Copied!