Tucker Declines Blue Jays’ $350M Deal, Chooses Dodgers Instead

The Toronto Blue Jays made a significant bid for Kyle Tucker, offering him a staggering $350 million over ten years. However, the proposal fell short in convincing Tucker to join their roster as he ultimately selected the Los Angeles Dodgers instead.

Kyle Tucker’s Contract Details

The reported contract with the Dodgers is a four-year deal worth $240 million. This agreement includes $30 million in deferred payments and options to opt-out after the 2027 and 2028 seasons. Notably, the Dodgers structured the contract to include a $64 million signing bonus, with $54 million paid upfront.

Comparative Bids

The Blue Jays’ final bid surpassed the Dodgers’ by $110 million, highlighting the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball (MLB) contracts. While the Blue Jays offered a long-term deal, the Dodgers and New York Mets proposed four-year contracts with higher average annual values.

• Blue Jays Offer: $350 million over 10 years
• Dodgers Contract: $240 million over 4 years
• Mets Offer: $220 million with a $75 million signing bonus

Impact on the Teams

Tucker’s decision represents another setback for the Blue Jays in a growing rivalry with the Dodgers. Previously, the Dodgers outbid the Blue Jays for high-profile talent—including Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki.

The Mets, after losing Tucker, shifted focus and reportedly signed Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal.

Historical Significance of the Deal

Tucker’s new contract features an average annual value (AAV) of $57.1 million after considering deferrals. This AAV exceeds the previous record of $51 million set by Juan Soto last offseason. Notably, Tucker joins Ohtani as the only players with contracts above $60 million AAV in history.

The Dodgers will face the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in 2026 for a World Series rematch, marking a potential highlight in both teams’ competitive history.

Future Matchups