The Major League Baseball offseason for 2026 is heating up with intense speculation, and two of the biggest names on the market are four-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker and 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger. As of early January 2026, both remain unsigned, creating a frenzy among top teams and fans eager to see where these stars will land.
New York Mets Emerge as Favourites for Kyle Tucker
Kyle Tucker, the 28-year-old slugger who spent the 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs, is currently the most sought-after free agent. After his contract with the Cubs expired, Tucker entered the market and instantly became the centre of a major bidding war. Multiple franchises have shown interest, but recent reports strongly indicate that the New York Mets have positioned themselves as the front-runner to secure him on a long-term deal.
Analysts believe Tucker would be a perfect fit for the Mets, adding significant power to their outfield. The team, which still boasts talents like Juan Soto, views Tucker as the final piece to deepen their batting lineup for a serious championship run. While the Mets lead the chase, other powerhouse clubs like the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers are also in the mix, monitoring the situation closely and potentially ready to make a late push.
Cody Bellinger's Stalled Negotiations with Yankees
In a parallel storyline, former New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger finds himself in a contract stalemate. After opting not to renew his contract with the Yankees following the 2025 season, Bellinger entered free agency with expectations of a major deal. However, negotiations for a potential return to the Bronx have hit a significant snag.
Insiders close to the talks reveal there is a "clearly a gap" between Bellinger's salary expectations and the Yankees' current offer. The Yankees have made at least one formal proposal this month, but progress has been minimal. This delay has opened the door for other suitors, with the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, and even the New York Mets reportedly checking in on Bellinger's availability at various points this winter.
Offseason Dynamics and Fan Anticipation
The slow movement on these two major fronts has defined the early 2026 MLB offseason. Teams are carefully calibrating their budgets and roster strategies, knowing that the decisions of Tucker and Bellinger will create a domino effect across the league. Fans and sports analysts are watching every development intently, as these signings will profoundly shape the competitive landscape for the upcoming season.
With spring training on the horizon, the pressure is mounting for franchises to finalise their squads. The resolution of the Kyle Tucker free agency saga and the Cody Bellinger contract standoff are poised to be the defining moments of this winter market, setting benchmarks for future player negotiations.
