A pair of major New York Mets rumors includes a frustrating update for fans regarding the pursuit of All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker.
Last week was an absolute nightmare for Mets fans. Not only did they lose All-Star closer Edwin Diaz — arguably the best closer in the game — to the Los Angeles Dodgers in MLB free agency, but team home run king Pete Alonso also tested the market and is now taking his talents to the Baltimore Orioles.
It was the worst-case offseason scenario for many fans, and it actually came to pass. Now, they are left hoping the club makes a big splash in response. And quite a few are hoping that the move is signing four-time All-Star Kyle Tucker. Well, the team is reportedly interested in adding him, but the same issue that led to Diaz and Alonso leaving is a hurdle in a potential deal with the outfielder.
“From the position player side, there is an openness to add someone like Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker, for instance,” The Athletic’s Will Sammon reports. “However, it likely depends on the market developing to the Mets’ liking. The Mets might not prefer to go long on a contract for either player. So adding one of them seems more plausible if it’s on a shorter deal.”
The MLB insider adds that part of their resistance to big, long-term deals is keeping their payroll flexible for next year’s pitcher free agent market, which will include Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, and possibly Corbin Burnes (opt-out).
Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat could go to NY Mets bullpen in 2026?
Speaking of pitching, if the NY Mets don’t trade Kodai Senga or David Peterson — two players they are rumored to be shopping — they will have a bunch of options for their rotation in 2026. After those two veterans, they still have sizable investments in Sean Manaea and Clay Holmes. And Tylor Megill is also under team control for two more seasons.
Furthermore, the young guns trio of Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat, and Jonah Tong are deserving of opportunities to start next season, and prospect Christian Scott should be ready following Tommy John surgery. Depth is good in case of injuries, but Sammon reports the club would rather “utilize the group in the major leagues rather than having certain players linger in Triple A.”
That is why he claims they are considering putting Tong and Sproat in the bullpen next season. He added it is something President David Stearns did with future aces Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta when he was overseeing the Milwaukee Brewers.
