The Mets are in contention for baseball's top free agent, meeting with Kyle Tucker, but face stiff competition from powerhouses like the Dodgers and Blue Jays.
The New York Mets have yet to make the big splash that’s been expected of them in this offseason’s free agency despite coming off the backs of one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory. They have been busy on the trade market, but there’s still work to do with some of free agency's biggest names still waiting to sign contracts.
There’s comfort in the fact that New York is at least trying, as reports list the Mets as one of three teams to have met with outfielder Kyle Tucker so far. According to MLB Network’s Radio Jim Duquette, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays have also met with the outfield star, either in person or via Zoom.
Sunday’s report comes just a week after Jon Heyman of the New York Post claimed the Mets are “very much” in the mix for the best outfield talent available in this year's free agency.
"The Mets appear to be taking a very serious look at the No. 1 free agent on the market, Kyle Tucker," Heyman said in a video uploaded to Twitter. "Next question: what are the chances to actually sign Tucker? Well, there are only a number of teams that can afford such a player, the Mets being one of them, so I'm not gonna say their chances are nil."
The Dodgers and Blue Jays are certainly stiff competition for the Mets in signing Tucker, as the two teams met in the World Series just a few months ago. The Mets, however, would theoretically have more money to offer the 28-year-old, as they have yet to make a huge signing this winter.
New York did bring in reliever Devin Williams on a three-year, $51 million deal earlier in the offseason, but it doesn’t come close to what the Dodgers and Blue Jays have already spent. Toronto has committed $210 million to starting pitcher Dylan Cease, while Los Angeles brought over former Mets closer Edwin Diaz on a $69 million contract.
With the holes in the Mets outfield – the only sure starter in 2026 being Juan Soto – acquiring Tucker would be huge for New York in making them contenders once again. Coming off his fourth consecutive All-Star season, Tucker hit 51 extra-base hits on his way to an .841 OPS. Also being a threat on the basepaths and in the outfield, the Mets could desperately use Tucker's services at Citi Field next season.
They’ll have to throw him their best, however, as they’re facing up against the league's powerhouses. With the conversations heating up, it’s only a matter of time before Tucker’s next destination is revealed.