Mets Have Checked In On Kyle Tucker

"Much speculation has linked Tucker to the Mets this offseason, and it isn't difficult to see why. According to RosterResource, Steve Cohen's club ran payrolls of $346MM, $336MM, and $340MM in 2023, '24, and '25, respectively. Currently, their projected payroll for 2026 sits at just $294MM. That means president of baseball operations David Stearns should have at least $40 million left to spend."

"If Stearns wants to make a big splash, there's no better way to do so than by signing the top free agent on the market. The Mets are reportedly hesitant to sign a starting pitcher to a long-term contract this winter. What's more, Heyman notes that Tucker's presumably high asking price is why Cody Bellinger remains their preferred outfield target. That said, it would be foolish to count the Mets of all teams out of the Tucker sweepstakes for financial reasons."

The Mets have checked in on free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, a four-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger and MLBTR's top free agent. Team payrolls were $346MM, $336MM, and $340MM in 2023–25, with a projected 2026 payroll of $294MM, creating roughly $40 million in spending capacity. President of baseball operations David Stearns added Jorge Polanco, Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, and acquired Marcus Semien, while the club lost players including Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil. The Mets are hesitant to commit long-term to a starting pitcher, and Tucker's expected price keeps Cody Bellinger as a preferred, cheaper outfield target. The Mets could still afford an 11-year, $400MM deal and have a clear left-field opening with prospect Carson Benge penciled in.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors