Kyle Tucker is a free agent this offseason, and analysts know that many teams, including the Dodgers, have their eyes on him. Journalist Jesse Yomtov even predicted that the Los Angeles team would swoop him up, but that would be easier said than done.

After all, USA TODAY columnist Bob Nightengale believes the Cubs star will end up with the Toronto Blue Jays. If it happens, then this will be the first win for the Jays after losing Game 7 to the Dodgers. And by bidding on the player, the team will drive up the prices of his services for other teams interested in him. Currently, Tucker is hoping for a $450 million-plus contract.

Regardless, even MLB Network’s Joel Sherman opined that Tucker would likely go to the Blue Jays. That’s not surprising considering the team has the money. Plus, they need more top-end talent on their side. But it doesn’t end here.

While the Blue Jays struggled with offensive production from their outfield, the No.1 free agent posted a higher OPS than all of their regular outfielders. His inclusion will only help the team.

So, now the question is, why is Tucker considered the No.1 free agent? The answer lies in his 2025 performance. He is not only the NL Silver Slugger award winner, but also earned his career’s fourth All-Star selection. He hit his career’s 10th home run against the Mets in May.

However, because of a left calf strain, Tucker was placed on the 10-day injured list in September. Despite his injuries, he delivered a .266/.377/.464 slash line with 73 RBIs and 22 home runs. His OPS this season is .841, and in the race of NL outfielders, this OPS was ranked third-best.

His best time came in June when he slashed .311/.404/.578 with an OPS of .982 and 13 RBIs. His performance has led him to a position where MLB teams are willing to fight for him. 

And while everyone is talking about the Dodgers and the Jays, another analyst at USA Today thinks the Yankees would be the team that will snatch Tucker from free agency.

The Yankees emerge as a fit for Kyle Tucker

MLB trade rumors reported that Tucker received and will reject a qualifying offer. That is so that he would be attached to draft compensation. That doesn’t matter much for free agents of this merit. The Cubs would need to shatter their franchise-record $184MM precedent to keep him. And that seems unlikely. So, the Yankees, Dodgers, Blue Jays, and Phillies all make sense as potential suitors.

In fact, the Giants, Angels, or Mets could be in the mix but might focus on starting pitching. On the other hand, the Rangers seem unlikely to spend a big amount. So, every big market team is going to bid for him. However, reporter Gabe Lacques predicted that Tucker will join the Yankees.

Aaron Boone’s team has a history largely of free agents, and they have handed out lucrative deals to stars like Carlos Rodon, Aaron Judge, and Gerrit Cole. And perhaps Tucker’s left-handed power will also fit effectively at Yankee Stadium. At the stadium, the right-field wall is closer to help hit more balls.

So, not only the teams, but Tucker also has some tough decisions coming up. Now, only time will tell where the No. 1 free agent builds his next home.