Mets Pursuing Kyle Tucker: Three-Year Deal Reportedly $120-$140M

This article dives into the fast-moving free-agent market for star outfielder Kyle Tucker. The New York Mets are making a big push, but they’re staying calculated about it.

Several big-market teams want Tucker, and their contract offers look wildly different. Tucker’s choice could shape not just his own future but also the budgets of teams chasing him.

Kyle Tucker Emerges as the Crown Jewel of Free Agency

Kyle Tucker stands out as one of the last real difference-makers on the open market. At 29, he brings a mix of power, patience, and playoff experience—exactly what teams with title hopes crave.

He’s battled injuries the last couple years, but teams still see him as a top-tier talent. Tucker’s upside seems to outweigh any worries about durability; clubs are willing to take that chance for a middle-of-the-order bat.

A Competitive Market Led by Big Spenders

The Mets, Blue Jays, and Dodgers have all reportedly sat down with Tucker in recent weeks. Toronto seems open to a long-term deal, keeping up their aggressive approach this winter.

New York and Los Angeles, though, are leaning toward shorter contracts with huge annual salaries. It’s shaping up to be a real bidding war.

The Mets’ Three-Year Gamble

Word is, the Mets put a three-year offer on the table worth somewhere between $120 and $140 million. That’s a staggering $40–$47 million per year.

It’s gutsy, but it lines up with how David Stearns is running things now. The Mets want flexibility, not decade-long commitments.

Short-term, high-AAV deals let them chase stars without tying up future payroll. It’s a way to get elite players without handcuffing the organization down the road.

Why Short-Term, High-AAV Deals Are Trending

Tucker’s situation isn’t unique. Lately, guys like Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, and Pete Alonso have all leaned into short-term contracts to keep their options open.

For teams, it’s tempting:

Players, meanwhile, get to bet on themselves and maybe cash in again soon.

The Draft-Pick Cost Factor

There’s a wrinkle, though. Tucker turned down a qualifying offer from the Cubs, so any team signing him gives up draft picks and some international bonus money.

Big-market teams probably won’t flinch at that, but it does complicate things. It’s another piece for front offices to consider when weighing contract length and cost.

Payroll Implications for New York

If the Mets pay Tucker $40–$47 million a year, their payroll and Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) numbers shoot right back up to last year’s range. Still, without a long-term commitment, it’s easier to justify than a seven- or eight-year deal.

Decision Time Approaches

The biggest question right now is what Tucker actually wants. Will he go for long-term security, maybe with Toronto, or chase a short-term deal so he can test free agency again in his early 30s?

Sources say we might get an answer as soon as this week. That decision could send shockwaves through the league.

Whether Tucker picks stability or keeps things flexible, his move will shape how teams think about contracts in baseball these days.

For now, everyone’s just watching Tucker—and wondering if the Mets’ bold, maybe risky, plan will actually work out.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Mets Reportedly In Three-Year, $120-140MM Range In Kyle Tucker Talks