Mets reportedly offer Tucker $50M per year on short-term deal

The Kyle Tucker sweepstakes are heating up, and the Mets appear to be right in the thick of it.

New York has extended Tucker a short-term offer with an average annual value of $50 million, according to reports by FanSided's Robert Murray and MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, among others. The Athletic's Will Sammon reported (subscription required) that the Mets have had multiple video meetings with Tucker in the past week and have offered him a three-year deal "in the range" of $120 million to $140 million.

Sammon also notes that industry sources suggest a decision from Tucker “could come as early as this week.”

Speaking at the Mets beat reporter luncheon at Citi Field on Wednesday, president of baseball operations David Stearns didn't address the report directly, but said, "I wouldn't take anything off the table. I think we are and will continue to be involved in talks at all ranges of free agency and the trade market."

Signing Tucker would represent a significant splash for the Mets in an offseason mostly defined by their departures, rather than their additions. Tucker -- who can play both corner outfield positions -- fits a need after New York traded Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil earlier this offseason, creating an opening in left field. Tucker’s bat would also help alleviate the loss of Pete Alonso and create one of baseball’s elite offensive trios, pairing Tucker atop the lineup with Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor.

But the Mets are not alone in their pursuit of Tucker. The Blue Jays and Dodgers have also been linked to Tucker, with Jim Duquette of MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM reporting that both clubs have also met with Tucker, either in person or via video. Like the Mets, Toronto and Los Angeles each have glaring needs in the outfield, too.

Tucker, the premier bat on the free-agent market, hit .266/.377/.464 with a 143 OPS+ with the Cubs last season, making his fourth consecutive All-Star team. Since 2021, Tucker’s 23.4 fWAR ranks 10th best in MLB and trails only Aaron Judge and Juan Soto among full-time outfielders. In that same span, his 143 wRC+ is also tied for the ninth-best mark in MLB.