The holiday season has passed, and with just over a month remaining before pitchers and catchers report for spring training, teams are intensifying their offseason efforts to finalize their rosters. CBS Sports has gathered the most noteworthy tweets and transactions from Tuesday to keep you updated.
The Toronto Blue Jays continue to be the frontrunners to sign Kyle Tucker, the top free agent available. Tucker visited the Blue Jays’ training facility in Dunedin, Florida, more than a month ago, and although no agreement has been made yet, insiders told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that Toronto remains the favorite to land him. The reigning American League champions have been active this offseason, adding right-hander Dylan Schiess, pitchers Cody Ponce and Tyler Rogers, as well as infielder Kazuma Okamoto, who is making the move from Japan’s NPB to MLB. Tucker, soon turning 29, is expected to play in the Blue Jays’ outfield and has posted strong stats over the last three seasons, with a .278 batting average, .380 on-base percentage, .511 slugging percentage, more than 25 home runs per year, 22 stolen bases, and a 4.9 WAR (wins above replacement). Besides Toronto, Tucker has been connected to teams like the , Yankees, Mets, Diamondbacks, and Giants.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles , MLB’s first team in over two decades to win consecutive World Series titles, are reportedly interested in acquiring either Tucker or free-agent infielder Bo Bichette. Agents suggest the aim to sign one of these players to a short-term deal with a high average annual salary close to their budget. For reference, first baseman Freddie Freeman joined the in March 2022 on a six-year, $162 million contract, averaging $27 million annually. Bichette, 27, has delivered a .291/.333/.445 batting line over the past three seasons with 14 home runs, five stolen bases, and a 2.7 WAR. He has expressed openness to moving from shortstop if a team already has a strong player at that position.
Fan Take: This offseason is shaping up to be a pivotal one for MLB, with star players like Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette potentially reshaping the landscape of powerhouses like Toronto and Los Angeles. Their signings could tip competitive balances and electrify fans with new lineups and rivalries, signaling exciting seasons ahead.
