The New York Mets have made a competitive bid for free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, offering a three-year deal worth between $120 million and $140 million. This short-term contract carries an average annual value of $50 million, positioning the Mets strongly in the sweepstakes amid interest from other teams. A decision from Tucker could come as early as this week.
The pursuit of Kyle Tucker, one of the top free agents available this offseason, has intensified as the New York Mets position themselves as frontrunners. According to reports from The Athletic's Will Sammon and others, the Mets have held multiple video meetings with the 28-year-old outfielder over the past week. Their offer—a three-year contract in the $120 million to $140 million range—would give Tucker an average annual value of $50 million, the third-highest in baseball history for position players, behind only Shohei Ohtani's $70 million and Juan Soto's $51 million with the Mets.
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns addressed the team's ongoing activity at a Wednesday luncheon at Citi Field, without confirming the Tucker report directly. "I wouldn't take anything off the table," Stearns said. "I think we are, and will continue to be, involved in talks at all ranges of free agency and the trade market."
Tucker's elite production makes him a prime target. Last season with the Cubs, he hit .266/.377/.464 with a 143 OPS+, earning his fourth consecutive All-Star selection. Since 2021, his 23.4 fWAR ranks 10th in MLB, and his 143 wRC+ ties for ninth. Over the past three seasons, he has slashed .278/.380/.511 with a 150 OPS+. The Mets view him as a solution for their outfield vacancy created by trading Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, and losing Pete Alonso. Pairing Tucker with Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor could form one of baseball's top offensive trios.
However, the Mets face competition. The Toronto Blue Jays have offered a long-term deal with a lower annual value, while the Los Angeles Dodgers are preparing a substantial short-term proposal. Both teams, like New York, need outfield help. Industry sources indicate Tucker's preferences for length and total value remain unclear, but his decision may arrive soon as he approaches his 29th birthday.
