Blue Jays skipper reveals conversation with Kyle Tucker from his PDC visit in Tampa

Free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker visited the Toronto Blue Jays' PDC (Player Development Complex) in Florida last week. Blue Jays skipper John Schnedier disclosed that Tucker didn't merely tour the place, but offered a glimpse into his mindset, preparation and game.

Tucker is a four-time All-Star and the 2022 World Series champion with the Houston Astros. Meanwhile, Schneider has been the Blue Jays' manager since 2022. He shared details about Tucker's PDC visit in an interview with Sportsnet's Hazel Mae on Tuesday.

"He lives in Tampa," Schneider said (Timestamp: 7:55). "They came over, toured the facility, sat down. He obviously impressed by that. We sat upstairs for about an hour and a half, talked through, kind of where the organization is, where the organization is heading, both from a team roster-building standpoint and from an ownership standpoint."

Schneider said Tucker is a type of player who is confident in the batter's box. Moreover, the Blue Jays skipper admitted Tucker impressed him during their conversations.

"He talked about his defense," Schneider added. "He talked about his base running, he talked about his baseball IQ, what he looks for when he is playing defense, certain tells in a pitcher to try to get 25 bags instead of 20. So it was pretty cool to hear that part of his game."

John Schneider also said the staff learned about Tucker beyond the on-field traits. He closed by saying the meeting was productive and affirmed that the outfielder is a good fit for the Blue Jays.

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Reds legend backs Kyle Tucker to get a massive deal

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Sean Casey hailed Kyle Tucker on "MLB Tonight," calling him a true five-tool player. He pointed out that Tucker is among the five position players with 4+ WAR in each of the last five seasons. The others being Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts, Jose Ramirez and Juan Soto.

"If I am a club, and I am looking for a guy to build around, that has great swing decisions, he's a five-tool player, he hits for damage, he does so many things well. Kyle Tucker is the guy that I would bring in for that long-term deal, and I would pay him over $400M," Casey said (Timestamp: 2:01).

Sean Casey played 12 seasons in MLB for five different teams. Casey earned three All-Star selections, all with the Reds, where he played from 1998 to 2005. The Reds inducted him, along with Dan Driessen and John Reilly, into their Hall of Fame on June 23, 2022.