The New York Mets made a significant but ultimately unsuccessful bid for outfielder Kyle Tucker, offering him a four-year contract worth $220 million. The proposal, as reported by Jim Duquette of MLB Network, included a $75 million signing bonus and was structured to pay Tucker $120 million over the first two seasons, all without any deferred money. This offer closely resembled the four-year, $240 million deal Tucker accepted with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which also featured identical opt-out clauses after the second and third seasons.
While the Mets’ offer provided a higher signing bonus and no deferred payments compared to the Dodgers’ agreement, it was ultimately $20 million less in total guarantees. Tucker’s contract with Los Angeles translates to an adjusted annual value of slightly over $57 million, while the Mets’ proposal calculated to an average annual value of $55 million.
In opting for the Dodgers’ offer, Tucker joins a franchise coming off two consecutive championships and is positioned as a strong contender for future titles. Meanwhile, the Mets, despite having a talented roster, are grappling with a restructuring phase that follows a disappointing finish to the previous season. Their moves this offseason, including swapping Brandon Nimmo for Marcus Semien and acquiring Jorge Polanco to replace Pete Alonso, have raised concerns regarding their competitiveness.
Following the Nimmo trade, the Mets find themselves in need of a left fielder, prompting speculation about the possibility of pursuing Cody Bellinger. Reports indicate that the New York Yankees have already made a substantial five-year offer worth between $155-160 million to Bellinger, who is represented by the Boras Corporation and appears to be seeking a longer contract.
With limited options remaining in free agency, such as Harrison Bader, the Mets may consider aggressive trades to secure a more significant offensive presence. Potential targets include Jarren Duran or Lars Nootbaar from rival teams, although acquiring Duran would likely necessitate a trade involving one of their promising starting pitchers along with immediate infield support.
As the offseason progresses, the Mets face crucial decisions that could shape the team’s prospects for the coming season and beyond.