We have reached the first half of January and the outlook is still uncertain for the Mets. They continue to release players, not sign stars quickly and give a last-minute surprise this offseason. That surprise element could be Kyle Tucker, a name that has been in the winter market rumors as a possible New York signing.
The outfielder’s services are in high demand. The best player on offer has been courted by several teams throughout the free agency period. Some franchises dropped out of the bidding for him because of their low payrolls to negotiate a contract that Tucker was seeking of $400 million over a long-term deal.
But that figure is declining as the coveted hitter has not signed with any team for the 2026 season and time is running out. This is where the Mets come into play with a supposed proposal that may interest the player. According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the franchise is offering a short-term contract worth $50 million per season.
The New York Mets are looking to acquire superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker and have made a short-term offer worth $50 million per season. John Mincone was the first to report on the Mets’ offer
Although the offer is surprising, it is not surprising that the Mets are going all out for Tucker. Veteran first baseman Pete Alonso signed with the Baltimore Orioles in free agency. Closer Edwin Diaz left for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Other key pieces, such as outfielder Brandon Nimmo and utility player Jeff McNeil, have also left Queens.
New York owner Steve Cohen, the richest among his peers, is not afraid to open the checkbook to get back to October.
David Stearns’ hand
Last offseason, superstar outfielder Juan Soto signed a record $765 million contract with the Mets. Despite multiple departures this offseason, New York’s president of baseball operations David Stearns has reopened Cohen’s checkbook.
After snatching Soto from their cross-town rivals the New York Yankees last season, the National League team has brought in former Yankees relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver to stabilize the bullpen.
Tucker, David Stearns’ big hit?
In addition to the relievers, the Mets’ president of operations traded Nimmo for Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien and then signed Jorge Polanco to play designated hitter and first base. With the departures of Nimmo and McNeil, there is a huge void in the Mets’ outfield. For now, it looks like Carson Benge could get the job. However, Tucker would undoubtedly change New York’s offseason completely. Stearns gambled on holding out, not buying and waiting for the high amounts demanded by several free agents in December to come down. Sensing that some were not going to be hired for that very reason, Stearns knows that now is the time to bid.
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