MLB offseason has not been kind to the New York Mets, who are another team that hasn’t had a great winter after seeing several of their stars depart, including Edwin Díaz, Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil. This is precisely the scenario that presents them with an opportunity to improve their roster and provide support for Juan Soto, who can’t do it all alone.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Mets are one of the three frontrunners to sign Kyle Tucker, a star outfielder, with the intention of being “opportunistic” if they manage to enter serious negotiations.
The other teams in the mix are the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers-two of the top favorites not only to reach but also to win the World Series, as reported earlier this week by former general manager and current MLB insider Jim Duquette.
What is being said about Kyle Tucker to the Mets?
According to Heyman, the Blue Jays-who have their spring training complex near Tucker’s home in Tampa-may be willing to offer a long-term contract, which would give them an edge over the Mets or Dodgers, who prefer a shorter deal with a high AAV and opt-out options.
With Nimmo heading to Texas and Alonso to the Orioles, the Mets have a massive hole in their lineup, so signing Tucker would solve two problems at once.
Kyle Tucker would arrive on a team to bolster the offensive power provided by Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, who lost Alonso and Nimmo. However, Tucker is a left-handed hitter and a natural right fielder-the same position Soto plays.
Even so, adding Kyle Tucker would immediately elevate the Mets’ aspirations, seriously boosting their chances of making the playoffs and contending for the World Series in 2026. Although the team has lost more pieces than it has added this offseason, Tucker’s arrival would serve as a statement move to turn around what has so far been a disappointing winter.
According to Heyman, Mets owner Steve Cohen has given president of baseball operations David Stearns a “tentative” budget ranging from $340 to $350 million-similar to the 2025 payroll.
However, for the right opportunity, Cohen would be willing to authorize Stearns to significantly exceed that limit. And Tucker fits perfectly as the kind of signing capable of changing the franchise’s direction.
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