Report: Standoff Over AAV in Kyle Tucker Pursuit; Mets Offer $200M
The negotiations have reached the eleventh hour. With a massive offer on the table from New York, Kyle Tucker is reportedly “waiting” for Toronto to make the final move.
TSP Rumor Tracker: Jan 14 Update
We are aggregating multiple breaking reports regarding the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes. Here is the current state of play:
- Mets Offer: 4 Years, $200 Million ($50M AAV) with opt-outs.
- Tucker’s Stance: Prefers Toronto/Long-Term, but wants Jays to raise AAV.
- Blue Jays Status: “Firmly in the mix” and the likeliest team to offer the years.
- Timeline: Decision expected in 24-48 hours.
The Kyle Tucker Blue Jays rumors have intensified into a high-stakes game of chicken. Following a flurry of reports on Wednesday afternoon, the battle lines are clearly drawn: The Mets are offering record-breaking short-term cash, while the Blue Jays hold the keys to the long-term security Tucker craves.
Passan: Jays “Using the Cash Cudgel”
In a comprehensive offseason update for ESPN, insider Jeff Passan highlighted Toronto’s aggressive approach following their World Series heartbreak. After already securing Dylan Cease ($210M) and Kazuma Okamoto ($60M), the Jays are not done spending.
“They’re firmly in the mix on Kyle Tucker and still the likeliest team to give him the big-money, long-term deal he’s seeking… [They] will now spend the rest of the winter using the cash cudgel that few teams can currently wield.” — Jeff Passan, ESPN
Passan also noted that while Toronto prioritizes Tucker, they “haven’t closed the door” on a Bo Bichette reunion, though they prioritize the outfielder.
The Threat: 4 Years, $200 Million
The reason for the delay? A staggering offer from Steve Cohen. According to SNY’s Jim Duquette and Mets insider Tyler Ward, New York has put a contract on the table that would shatter AAV records.
| Mets Reported Offer | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Value | $200,000,000 |
| Term | 4 Years |
| Average Annual Value (AAV) | $50,000,000 |
| Structure | Likely multiple opt-outs included. |
The Standoff: Waiting on Toronto
Despite the Mets’ massive financial flex, the sentiment among insiders is that Tucker prefers the security of a long-term home over re-entering free agency in his 30s. Bob Nightengale of USA Today appeared on Foul Territory to clarify the holdup.
“What’s the holdup with Kyle Tucker? Nightengale believes he’s waiting for the Blue Jays to raise the AAV.” — Foul Territory TV
Trevor Fujioka added context to this, noting that Nightengale believes Tucker “fits more with the Blue Jays” and “doesn’t think he wants to go through the FA process” again.
TSP Analysis: The Winning Number?
If the Mets are at $50M AAV for 4 years ($200M total), the Jays don’t need to match the annual salary—they just need to beat the total guarantee significantly.
A 10-year deal at $32M AAV equals $320 million. That is $120 million more in guaranteed money than the Mets’ offer. If the Jays bump that slightly to $34M-$35M AAV, the deal likely gets done immediately.
Decision Imminent
The clock is ticking. Mike Puma of the NY Post reports that the Mets expect an answer “relatively soon,” while Tyler Ward stated he would be “surprised if he’s not signed somewhere in the next day or two.”
For the full ESPN report, read Jeff Passan’s latest article here. Keep it locked to our Blue Jays Hub for the signing announcement.