The New York Mets are ramping up efforts to land elite free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, hoping to replicate the success of signing Juan Soto, with a multi-year deal that could reshape their outfield for years.
Negotiations are progressing quickly, with the Mets reportedly extending a three-year contract offer with an AAV of $50 million as reports indicate the team may now be considering a fourth year – possibly including opt-outs, giving Tucker flexibility if he continues his elite performance.
“From what I can tell, it’s likely they’ve gone to a fourth year on this,” SNY analyst Jim Duquette reported. “There would be, obviously, an opt-out-probably multiple opt-outs.”
Owner Steve Cohen and president David Stearns are involved in the talks and with Brandon Nimmo traded to Texas and Jeff McNeil to Oakland, the Mets now have four outfielders on their 40-man roster: Nick Morabito, Juan Soto, Tyrone Taylor, and Jared Young.
Soto remains the centerpiece, but Tucker would provide another elite option in the lineup but Tucker has compiled 23.4 fWAR from 2021-24 with Houston Astros and 2025 with Chicago Cubs.
He could bolster the team’s fire power if he continues producing .277/.365/.514 with 140 doubles, 134 homers, 105 stolen bases in 119 attempts, and 28 defensive runs saved across 661 games, highlighting his five-tool ability.
The main challenge is positioning, as both Tucker and Soto are right fielders. Tucker has not played left field since 2020, and Soto has limited left field experience, but the Mets appear willing to solve that later, prioritizing Tucker‘s elite talent first.
Competition remains fierce, with the Los Angeles Dodgers offering a short-term, high-AAV deal and the Toronto Blue Jays a long-term contract at a lower AAV.
The Mets’ willingness to include multiple opt-outs could make their offer the most attractive to land the four-time All-Star and 2022 World Series champion.
Could Mets gun for CY Young winner?
While pursuing Tucker, the Mets also face pressing pitching needs. Nolan McLean is currently their top rotation option, but fans and analysts are calling for a veteran ace to stabilize the rotation and complement a lineup bolstered by Tucker.
Christopher Kline of Fansided suggested a trade for two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, noting Skubal could mentor younger pitchers like McLean, while providing a fully healthy Kodai Senga a partner to anchor a potentially dominant rotation.
“On the surface, the New York Mets are probably the next most likely Skubal destination,” Kline said. “GM David Stearns typically avoids paying sticker price for pitchers, but Skubal is the best in the biz and an exception to the rule.
“Steve Cohen is baseball’s richest owner, and the Mets desperately need a veteran ace to anchor this otherwise unproven, somewhat aimless, and injury-prone rotation.”
Skubal posted a 13-6 record, 2.21 ERA, 241 strikeouts, and 0.891 WHIP over 195 innings in 2025. Adding him would give the Mets a frontline starter for a one-year push and a veteran presence to groom younger pitchers, making them immediate contenders.
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