Published on: January 14, 2026, 10:24 AM.

Updated on: January 14, 2026, 10:29 AM.

• Mets reportedly present Kyle Tucker with a short-term offer worth $50 million annually
• Bo Bichette meets with Philadelphia Phillies, and discussions went “very well”
• The team acquiring Tucker could shift the World Series betting landscape

Throughout the offseason, many baseball analysts viewed the Toronto Blue Jays as the frontrunners to secure free agent OF Kyle Tucker, the standout player on the MLB free agency market. However, recent developments suggest that the New York Mets have disrupted this perception.

According to ESPN, the Mets have proposed a short-term contract to Tucker, valued at $50 million each season. After a year with the Chicago Cubs, Tucker, who is 29 and boasts a .273 career batting average, is recognized as one of the finest left-handed hitters in baseball.

During his last season, he achieved a .266 batting average, accompanied by 22 home runs and 73 RBIs across 500 at-bats, contributing to a 4.5 WAR (Wins Above Replacement, a metrics-driven estimate of a player’s contributions compared to a replacement-level player).

$50 Million Annual Offer

The offseason has been turbulent for the Mets, who have lost key players such as 1B Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Diaz to free agency, along with OF Brandon Nimmo via trade to the Texas Rangers.

On the other hand, the Blue Jays have been the most aggressive spenders in the offseason so far, committing $337 million to four new players, and are expected to provide Tucker with a more extended contract term. Analysts, including Jon Heyman, have frequently stated that the Blue Jays had favorable chances of signing Tucker. Recently, Blue Jays DH George Springer was seen with Tucker, a former Astros teammate, at a TGL golf event, and Tucker visited the Blue Jays’ spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida, last December.

Reports indicate that Tucker is expected to make a decision regarding his future this week.

If Toronto succeeds in signing Tucker, it could signify the conclusion of SS Bo Bichette’s tenure with the team. In related news, reports emerged today about Bichette having a successful meeting with the Philadelphia Phillies. A further incentive for Philadelphia is the hiring of Don Mattingly as their bench coach, who previously collaborated closely with Bichette in Toronto. This connection could entice him to join the Phillies.

Sportsbooks Favor Bichette to Philadelphia

FanDuel’s odds have shifted, initially favoring the Blue Jays to land Bichette, but now reflects the Phillies as the favorites at -125, followed by the Blue Jays at +210, Boston Red Sox at +550, New York Yankees at +750, L.A. Dodgers at +1400, and Atlanta Braves at +1900.

Bichette is said to be seeking a contract exceeding $300 million and is open to transitioning to second base. He had a remarkable .311 batting average last season, hitting 18 home runs and recording 44 doubles, ranking second in MLB despite missing a significant portion of the finale month due to a knee injury, which limited his participation in the ALDS and ALCS. He made his return for the World Series against the Dodgers.

If Tucker joins the Blue Jays, they may need to move Anthony Santander. If Springer takes on more of a designated hitting role, it seems likely Tucker would take over left field position, with Daulton Varsho in center and Addison Barger in right. Retaining a $92.5 million bench player will not be feasible, though finding a trade partner with four years remaining on the contract could be challenging.

MLB Betting: World Series Outlook

Monitor the World Series betting odds as key players like Bichette, Tucker, and Cody Bellinger, who are still awaiting decisions regarding their future teams, finalize their arrangements ahead of the upcoming baseball season.

According to DraftKings this morning, current odds list the Dodgers at +300, Yankees at +750, Phillies at +1100, Mariners at +1300, Cubs at +1500, Braves at +1500, Blue Jays at +1500, Astros at +1600, and Mets also at +1600. FanDuel reflects the Dodgers at +250, Yankees at +1000, Mariners at +1300, Phillies at +1300, Braves at +1300, Blue Jays at +1400, Mets at +1500, and Red Sox at +1800.

BetMGM lists the Yankees as having the most favorable odds for the American League championship title, at +325, followed by the Mariners at +550, Astros at +650, Blue Jays at +700, and Red Sox at +750.