A huge new report has revealed what the New York Mets have offered star free agent Kyle Tucker as they attempt to beat the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers for his services.
The Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs veteran began the offseason as the top free agent on the market, and the four-time All-Star remains there as we near the midway point of January. However, that could soon end with recent reports suggesting the NY Mets, LA Dodgers, and Blue Jays will be the likely landing spots.
On Tuesday, The Athletic’s Will Sammon offered up a huge update on New York’s pursuit of the star outfielder and what they allegedly have presented Tucker to lure him to Queens. According to the NY Mets insider, the club has a three-year deal worth between $120 and $140 million on the table.
If it is on the higher end, it would mean the team would pay Tucker $46 million per season. That would make him the third-highest-paid player in MLB, only behind Shohei Ohtani and potential future teammate Juan Soto.
Will NY Mets Offer to Kyle Tucker Be Enough?
The MLB insider did suggest that both the Blue Jays and Dodgers could still offer more. He also claimed the offer from New York could be increased in either dollars or years. Sources informed Sammon that they expect a decision from the outfielder to come this week.
While the NY Mets are reportedly very high on Cody Bellinger, Tucker makes more sense for the club if he is willing to take a short-term deal. He is two years younger than Bellinger (soon to be 29), is just as good a hitter, plays Gold Glove-level defense in the outfield, and also offers base stealing. He has stolen 25 or more three times.
- Kyle Tucker stats: .266 AVG, .377 OBP, .464 SLG, .841 OPS, 22 HR, 73 RBI, 91 R, 25 SB
The big issues with the three-time All-MLB second team player is there there is a belief among some around the league that Tucker’s personality may be a bad fit for New York, and the media pressure. However, if he can deal with the spotlight, the Mets would have a formidable corner outfield duo and one-two punch with Juan Soto in the lineup.
The Dodgers are always a threat to sign any player in free agency. But one has to wonder if they will shy away from a deal worth over $40 million annually after they just gave big money to former Mets closer Edwin Diaz. The Blue Jays are probably the biggest threat to the Mets and are expected to make one more big signing this offseason. However, that could also be bringing back homegrown star Bo Bichette.
