Kyle Tucker is the biggest bat available in free agency this offseason and the Dishes The All-Star outfielder would be aggressively pursued.
Jim Duquette, former Mets general manager and MLB Network analyst reports that the Mets, Dodgers and Blue Jays are Tucker’s most aggressive suitors. However, Duquette adds that nothing seems imminent and that there is some distance between the other team that would be interested and the main three.
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The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon reported On Tuesday, Toronto stepped up its efforts to sign Tucker because he fits their roster construction better than the former infielder. Bo Bichette. After signing the Japanese star Kazuma Okamotothe Blue Jays infield is likely set, while an addition to the outfield is easier. Adding Tucker would mean Antoine Santander would move to left field, allowing George Springer playing mostly as the team’s DH.
Toronto fired the first salvo this offseason for Tucker’s services when they sent him to the team’s player development complex in Florida in early December. Since then, the reigning AL Champs have added Dylan Cease, Tyler Rogers and the aforementioned Okamoto in free agency – in addition to other roster moves.
As for the Mets, the fit is clear. After the team exchanged Brandon Nimmo for the Rangers, this opened up left field for an outfield addition. Currently, Tyrone Taylor is the central defender with Juan Soto occupy right field. Perspective Carson Benge could play a role in the outfield in 2026, but adding Tucker would give the Mets two deadly corner outfielders.
Of course, Tucker’s decision will likely come down to money. Recent reports indicated that Tucker could take a Higher AAV on a short-term contract this offseason before testing free agency in a few years, so it might be more palatable for the Jays, Mets or Dodgers to sign Tucker if that’s the path he’s willing to take.
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Although the Mets have been connected to Tucker, they could also pivot to Cody Bellinger, which gives them the defensive flexibility to play first base. Bellinger has been heavily pursued by the Yankees this offseason, and although the Bronx team has already officially offered the outfielder contracts twice, there is still a gap between the two sides exists.
