The New York Mets' hopes of signing top free agents Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette have dimmed as negotiations stall over contract length. With a payroll already at $277.3 million, the Mets appear reluctant to commit to the multi-year deals sought by the right-handed hitters. Meanwhile, the broader MLB free agency market has seen several high-profile signings, leaving Tucker as the top unsigned prize.
As MLB's 2025-26 free agency period progresses, the New York Mets are encountering obstacles in their bid to bolster their lineup with elite talent. According to reports from The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, Bregman and Bichette, the premier right-handed batting free agents available, are likely to demand more years than the Mets are willing to offer. Bregman, who spent 2025 with the Boston Red Sox on a three-year, $120 million deal with opt-outs, is targeting a six-year, $171 million contract following a productive season marred by a quad injury that sidelined him for two months. Bichette, the 28-year-old shortstop from the Toronto Blue Jays, rebounded strongly in 2025 with a .311 batting average and 18 home runs despite defensive shortcomings at shortstop; he seeks a five-year, $130 million pact and may shift to second base.
The Mets' high payroll limits their flexibility for long-term commitments, especially after losing Edwin Díaz to the Dodgers on a three-year, $69 million deal and Pete Alonso to the Orioles for five years and $155 million. Other notable moves include Kyle Schwarber re-signing with the Phillies (five years, $150 million), Devin Williams joining the Mets (three years, $51 million), and Dylan Cease signing with the Blue Jays (seven years, $210 million). Four players accepted qualifying offers: Trent Grisham (Yankees), Shota Imanaga (Cubs), Gleyber Torres (Tigers), and Brandon Woodruff (Brewers).
Despite these challenges, the Mets remain active, having signed Jorge Polanco (two years, $40 million) and Luke Weaver (two years, $22 million). Kyle Tucker remains the consensus top free agent, expected to command over $350 million after a strong but injury-plagued year with the Cubs. The Mets may pivot to other targets as the offseason unfolds toward 2026.
