Mets Add Fourth Year to Kyle Tucker Offer

The New York Mets’ offseason chase for elite talent seems to be hitting a critical point. New reporting suggests the club has seriously bumped up its offer to one of baseball’s top free agents.

Ownership’s directly involved, and competition from other big-market teams is heating up. If this signing goes through, it could totally reshape the Mets’ roster and make it clear they want to contend right now.

Mets Increase Commitment in Kyle Tucker Negotiations

SNY analyst and former Mets GM Jim Duquette says the Mets have probably expanded their contract proposal to free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker by adding a fourth year. That’s a pretty big jump, especially in a market where top position players are hard to find.

Duquette also mentions the deal would likely include an opt-out clause—or maybe more than one—so Tucker can test the market again if he keeps playing at a high level. These structures are all the rage for stars now, giving them some freedom while still giving teams some short-term certainty.

Steve Cohen’s Direct Involvement Sends a Message

Maybe the most interesting detail from Duquette is that Mets owner Steve Cohen is personally involved. When an owner steps in like this, it’s usually a sign the team sees the player as a franchise-changing addition.

Cohen’s hands-on approach really highlights how much the Mets want Tucker—and how far they’re willing to go to get him.

This isn’t their first bold move this offseason. Still, with Cohen at the table, it’s obvious money won’t be the issue here.

Building on a Massive Initial Offer

The four-year proposal builds on earlier reports that the Mets had already offered Tucker a three-year deal worth about $50 million per year. Even by today’s standards, that’s elite territory for annual salary.

Adding a fourth year could be what sets the Mets apart. Some players like shorter, high-dollar deals, but a little more length means real security—especially as Tucker heads into his age-29 season.

Competition from Dodgers and Blue Jays

The Mets aren’t the only ones in the mix. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays are seen as the main competition.

Toronto, especially, is rumored to have offered the longest-term deal so far. It’s that classic free-agent decision: do you go for the biggest yearly paycheck, or the most years?

The Mets seem set on winning the AAV fight. Toronto might be hoping that long-term stability will convince Tucker to head north.

Why Kyle Tucker Is Worth the Investment

Tucker’s résumé backs up all the hype. Heading into his age-29 season, he’s got a career slash line of .272/.358/.507 with 147 home runs and 119 stolen bases over eight big-league years.

His consistency stands out. Since his first full MLB season, Tucker has:

Never hit fewer than 22 home runs in a season

Never posted an OPS+ below 147

That kind of steady production puts him right at the top among all-around outfielders.

Defensive Fit with the Mets

Tucker’s played mostly right field in recent seasons. If the Mets sign him, they’d probably shift him to left field.

This move would balance the outfield defensively. It also keeps Tucker’s big bat right in the heart of the lineup.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Mets rumors: Fourth year added to Tucker offer