Could Kyle Tucker end up being another version of Jason Bay if the New York Mets sign him? A new report seems to suggest as much.
Over the last 40 years, the NY Mets have made many bold trades or free agent additions for established stars. While they have had a lot of success stories, most fans would agree that many more have been major disappointments.
Names like Roberto Alomar, Mo Vaughn, Carlos Baerga, and Jeremy Burnitz are sure to send a shiver of disgust down the backs of NY Mets fans. However, for many, former Pittsburgh Pirates star Jason Bay is among the most disastrous signings in club history.
Over the first seven seasons of his career, he earned All-Star honors three times, and his 20 or more homers in six of those years, including 36 during a big season in Boston before he hit free agency. New York decided to give him a four-year deal worth $66 million after his monster 2009 performance, and that proved to be a terrible choice.
Bay dealt with injuries often during his first three seasons in Queens, and when he did play, he was a shell of the player who played for the Pirates and Red Sox the previous seven years. Long-time NY Mets fans are always worried about the next Jason Bay contract. Well, that could potentially happen if they sign four-time All-Star Kyle Tucker.
Kyle Tucker Not Built for NY Mets Spotlight?
The Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs veteran is viewed as the top player in free agency this offseason. He is expected to get a deal that could be anywhere from $200 to $400 million, depending on the years in the pact. And the Mets are rumored to be a top contender. However, a new report may explain why the club allegedly prefers a deal with Cody Bellinger instead of one with Tucker.
“Some within the industry question whether he would want to play in the biggest market, and some executives view him as a better personality fit elsewhere,” The Athletic reports.
Signing Tucker would require a huge investment. Either in annual pay or in years. If he is not a good fit for the bright spotlight of New York, it might be better for the Mets to pass on signing him unless they get a very team-friendly deal.
Bellinger, on the other hand, has had great seasons in big markets like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. Proving he can handle the pressure of a top MLB market.
