The New York Mets have already worked toward their offseason goal of “run prevention” after making several moves to shake up the roster.
The Mets have added veteran second baseman Marcus Semien to help clean up their infield defense, reliever/closer Devin Williams to get meaningful outs at the end of games and infielder Jorge Polanco to replace star slugger Pete Alonso at first base.
New York subtracted left fielder Brandon Nimmo, who isn’t great defensively and saw his offensive production decline in recent years, in the trade for Semien, Alonso and star closer Edwin Diaz.
“Run prevention” are buzz words for improving the pitching staff and defense. They improved defensively with the addition of Semien, but Polanco is projected to play first base and designated hitter, which makes little to no sense.
Polanco has played one inning of one game at first base in his entire career. Alonso isn’t a great defender, but he’s an actual first baseman who can scoop the ball on errant throws. Polanco’s offensive production is half that of Alonso’s, so adding another powerful bat will help replace Alonso’s production.
Outfielder Kyle Tucker should be on New York’s radar and they have the money to spend on the four-time All-Star. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel believes Tucker will sign for 11 years, $418 million with possible deferrals. ESPN’s Jesse Rogers broke down his 2025 performance and compared his situation to Juan Soto’s from last offseason.
“He compiled 4.5 fWAR despite his thumb injury last season and 4.2 fWAR in just 78 games the previous year. His 2024 performance projected out to nearly a 10-WAR season if he had been healthy,” Rogers wrote Tuesday.
“Though they are different types of players, comparing Tucker's free agency to Juan Soto's last year isn't outrageous because of the hitters' ability to take walks and not strike out. Tucker committed to swinging at better pitches a couple of years ago, and the results have come: His 1.00 walk-to-strikeout percentage over the past two seasons is in line with Soto -- and just behind Luis Arraez for best in MLB.”
Tucker is an excellent five-tool player when he’s healthy. He showed that in the first half of the season with the Chicago Cubs prior to his injuries that derailed the rest of his season.
“That ability, combined with his slug, has him in a rare class with Soto and perhaps Mookie Betts before he signed his 12-year, $365 million deal with the Dodgers. Despite a late-season calf injury, Tucker also stole 25 bases last year, which is reminiscent of Soto, who stole 38 in 2025.”
Tucker would be an outstanding addition to this team, especially after losing Alonso. Without a big bat behind Soto, who is going to pitch to him? Nobody. The Mets need Tucker or a player of his value and not many teams have the funds to pay him what he wants.
Expect New York to pursue Tucker and pair him with Soto in the Big Apple.