Toronto Blue Jays' heated bidding war for Kyle Tucker just took another turn

The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly tabled an offer to top free agent Kyle Tucker. 

News is starting to pick up around some of the top MLB free agents with Spring Training quickly approaching. The Chicago Cubs have already scooped up 3B Alex Bregman, and the noise around Bo Bichette and the Philadelphia Phillies is getting louder. 

The Tucker situation has been getting more interesting as well, with the Blue Jays in the middle of things. Earlier this week, it was reported that the New York Mets were offering the star outfielder up to $50 million per season on a short-term deal. 

That concerned some Toronto fans, but the latest reporting from ESPN's Jesse Rogers has revealed that the Blue Jays have countered with a long-term offer of their own. 

"Sources told ESPN that the Toronto Blue Jays have also made a long-term offer to Tucker, who is one of the best left-handed hitters in the league," Rogers wrote on Tuesday. 

That is a bold play by the Jays as they try to snag the offseason's top FA prize. Though we know that Toronto is offering a long-term deal for Tucker, we do not have the exact number of years or the exact amount of money involved in the offer. 

A long-term deal would certainly involve quite a hefty price tag, especially if it entices Tucker to walk away from the reported Mets offer. It's a sign that the Blue Jays are not messing around in their pursuit of the four-time MLB all-star. 

If Tucker signs on the dotted line in Toronto, it would almost certainly eliminate the possibility of a Bichette reunion. There is a need for a better outfield option for the Jays, and between Addison Barger, Kazuma Okamoto, Andres Gimenez, and Ernie Clement, they have enough quality infielders to stomach losing Bichette. 

Speculation on Tucker signing in Toronto only skyrocketed on Wednesday morning, as Blue Jays utility man Myles Straw, and noted best friend of the former Chicago Cub, apparently posted and then quickly deleted a photo of a Tucker jersey on his Instagram story. 

Jays fans will be keeping their eyes peeled for anymore info about Tucker's status over the coming days.