The New York Mets enter another offseason in familiar territory. Big expectations, plenty of resources, and a roster that still feels unfinished. For all the moves already made, one area stands out more than the rest. The outfield. What was once crowded now looks thin, especially beyond Juan Soto, and the front office knows it cannot stay that way for long.
This is where the Mets’ reputation under Steve Cohen matters. New York rarely drifts quietly through the winter. When a premium talent is available, the club is almost always mentioned, whether talks are serious or still exploratory. That pattern has repeated itself this offseason, with one name surfacing again and again.
That name is Kyle Tucker, widely viewed as the best free agent left on the market. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Mets have checked in with Tucker’s camp. It is not a formal offer, but it is enough to keep the conversation alive in league circles.
Why the Mets are looking big in the outfield
Roster movement has created opportunity. The Mets moved on from Brandon Nimmo, lost Cedric Mullins in free agency, and also parted ways with Jeff McNeill, who had been considered a possible outfield option. That leaves Soto as the lone proven star and Carson Benge currently projected as the Opening Day left fielder. For a team with postseason ambitions, that alignment feels temporary.
Tucker would immediately change the picture. The four-time All-Star brings power, on-base skills, speed, and steady defense. In 2025, he appeared in 136 games and posted a .266/.377/.464 slash line with 22 home runs, 25 stolen bases, and a 136 wRC+. His 4.5 fWAR reinforces what scouts already believe. This is a player squarely in his prime.
Money, of course, is the central obstacle. SportsGrid recently projected Tucker for a 10-year, $430 million deal, a contract that would sit near the top of the sport. That number explains why alternatives remain in play. Cody Bellinger continues to be viewed as a more flexible option, and Harrison Bader offers a different profile altogether.
As noted by MLBTradeRumors.com, the Mets appear hesitant to commit long term money to starting pitching this winter, which makes an elite everyday bat more appealing. Tucker represents the highest ceiling. Bellinger represents restraint.
The Mets do not need to choose today. But with a clear opening in the outfield and a star like Tucker available, this is a storyline that will not fade quietly. If New York decides to push its chips forward again, the impact would be felt across the league.
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