In the end, the Mets' offer to Kyle Tucker wasn't quite enough, but it didn't take them long to make a different big-time move.
New York reportedly extended Tucker a four-year contract offer worth $220 million, but the free agent right fielder ultimately chose an offer from the Dodgers worth $20 million more.
According to The Athletic's Will Sammon (subscription required), the Mets had multiple video meetings with Tucker in the past week. Their final offer, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, would've paid Tucker $60 million in 2026 and '27 and $50 million each in '28 and '29, with no deferrals. Tucker would've received a $75 million signing bonus, according to Sammon, with opt-outs after the second and third years.
Speaking at the Mets beat reporter luncheon at Citi Field on Wednesday, president of baseball operations David Stearns didn't address reports about Tucker directly, but indicated the team could still be in the market to make significant additions via free agency or a trade. And sure enough, the Mets agreed with free-agent infielder Bo Bichette on a three-year, $126 million deal, a source told MLB.com on Friday.
Bichette's contract features opt-outs after each of the first two seasons, according to multiple reports, including MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.
Bichette represents a significant splash for the Mets in an offseason previously defined by high-profile departures. Trades of Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil earlier this offseason created an opening in left field that the team has yet to addres. The Mets may now turn to the trade market or Cody Bellinger to fill that spot.