Kyle Tucker Next Team | Where Will He Play in 2026?

The calendar has flipped to 2026, and some of the marquee MLB free agents remain unsigned. That's not entirely unusual, but there's still a question lingering over the largest domino that needs to fall: Where and when will Kyle Tucker sign?

The likely next destination for the slugging outfielder is a bit easier to gauge than the time frame, though there will surely be movement soon enough with spring training beginning on Feb. 11.

For now, the market for Tucker and several other top-tier free agents is at a standstill. Let's take a look at where things stand for Tucker right now.

📝 What teams are the favorites to sign Kyle Tucker?

There are likely only a handful of truly aggressive suitors given the massive contract the 29-year-old is seeking.

The Toronto Blue Jays have repeatedly been cited as a top team vying for his services, and Tucker visited their spring training facility in early December, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com.

The New York Yankees have also inevitably been in the mix. However, the Tampa resident hasn't visited that team's Florida complex, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. The New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Dodgers have also been in contact with Tucker at various points, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

💰 What is Kyle Tucker likely to make on his next contract?

The four-time All-Star brings some serious left-handed pop, which appeals to any team, but the price is steep accordingly. Tucker regularly hovers around 30 homers when healthy, a mark he's hit dead on twice. He also finished with 29 in 2023, 23 across only 78 games in 2024, and 22 during 136 outings this past season.

So combine his power with relative youth and hitting from the left side, and there's a rare opportunity to cash in for Tucker. He's justifiably then seeking a hefty number, which is largely why his market has been so sluggish.

Tucker is wanting a deal worth at least $300 million, and possibly up to $400 million, during his first time as a free agent, according to Feinsand.

⌛ What is likely to be the length of Kyle Tucker's next contract?

Tucker is surely chasing down a long-term deal that will cover what remains of his prime years and beyond, giving him security into his late 30s. Projections vary, but ESPN's Kiley McDaniel was more bullish on the total value while placing it at $418 million, and he's forecasting an 11-year deal.

The blend of left-handed power, bat control, high-end contact ability, and speed could lead to that number or close to it. Tucker has also logged three seasons with 25-plus stolen bases, and he reached that mark last year.

🕗 When is Kyle Tucker likely to sign?

This is the great unknown right now, though as always deadlines spur action.

It's not out of the ordinary for the premier stars to sign late into the offseason. However, that hasn't been the case with the top names the past two winters. Juan Soto signed with the New York Mets on Dec. 8, and Shohei Ohtani, the most coveted free agent in league history, agreed to a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Dec. 11 two years ago.

Tucker's market has been slower to move, but some urgency should develop soon as we drift further into January and spring training draws near. Once he signs, a dam will surely break for the likes of Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman, too.

🤔 Is Kyle Tucker likely to return to the Cubs in 2026?

Tucker returning to the Cubs seems highly unlikely. He was the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade that sent him to Chicago during the final year of his contract, and then Tucker proceeded to shine for the Cubs while posting an .841 OPS.

But the MLB free agency next team odds listed Tucker going back to the Cubs at +1800 in mid-December. The team could be moving on to Bregman as a replacement, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

❓ Kyle Tucker next team FAQs

Where will Kyle Tucker play in 2026?

The Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers are among the top suitors for Kyle Tucker.

What is Kyle Tucker likely to make in his next contract?

Kyle Tucker is reportedly seeking a contract worth up to around $400 million.

How long will Kyle Tucker's next contract be?

Kyle Tucker is pursuing a long-term deal, reportedly in the range of 11 years.