The New York Mets could soon find out the future of Kyle Tucker.
New York has been one of the three teams that’s heavily interested in Tucker. Along with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Toronto has reportedly offered Tucker a long-term deal, while New York is offering a short-term deal with a high AAV.
However, despite the two different offers, a deal is expected soon. Mets insider Mike Puma reported on Wednesday that New York is bracing for a decision one way or another very soon.
“Mets expect to receive an answer relatively soon on Kyle Tucker,” Puma wrote on X. “Team brass at the moment doesn’t have a read on which way he might be leaning.”
How soon a deal will be announced is uncertain. But it’s a major update in Tucker’s free agency as it does appear it’s coming to an end.
Tucker is a four-time MLB All-Star. He dealt with injuries last season with the Chicago Cubs, but he hit .266 with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs.
Mets Offer to Tucker Revealed
New York has shown interest in Tucker, but the Mets are hoping to sign him to a short-term deal.
ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers confirmed the Mets have offered Tucker a deal worth around $50 million per season. The news comes after Robert Murray originally reported it.
“Outfielder Kyle Tucker, the top free agent available this offseason, has been offered a short-term deal by the New York Mets that is believed to be worth $50 million per season, sources told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers on Tuesday,” the article read.
“Tucker, who turns 29 on Saturday, continues to field offers after he declined a $22.025 million qualifying offer by the Chicago Cubs following the season. Sources told ESPN that the Toronto Blue Jays have also made a long-term offer to Tucker, who is one of the best left-handed hitters in the league.”
The short-term high AAV deal allows Tucker to earn plenty of money and re-enter the free agent market in a year or two. But whether or not he’s interested in that or wants a longer-term deal is to be seen.
New York Showing Interest in Tucker
The Mets’ interest in Tucker has picked up as of late, as the team had a video call with him.
MLB insider Will Sammon of The Athletic confirmed New York has submitted an offer after showing interest in the star hitter.
“The Mets are at least demonstrating effort and interest,” Sammon wrote. “They held multiple video meetings with Tucker within the last week, league sources said. Their interest makes sense. After moving on from fan favorites Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil, the Mets have a glaring hole in their outfield and could use more oomph in their lineup behind stars Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto.
“The Mets’ believed range for Tucker would be in line with the top annual average values for outfielders. Soto, in a 15-year deal, holds a $51 million AAV. While the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge stands at $40 million for the deal he signed in December 2022. At the top range, Tucker’s annual value would fall between the two superstars.”
Tucker is a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
Mets Get Major Update on Kyle Tucker as Decision Expected ‘Relatively Soon’