According to SNY analyst/former Mets General Manager Jim Duquette, the Mets have ‘likely’ added a fourth year to their offer to free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker. Additionally, Duquette believes there would be an opt-out – or possibly multiple opt-outs – as well. Duquette also notes that Mets owner Steve Cohen is involved in the negotiations, which would signal just how seriously the team is taking this pursuit. This adds to yesterday’s reporting that the Mets have an offer of approximately $50 million per year for a three-year contract.
Tucker appears to be the Mets’ primary target at this point in the offseason and, with many other big names already off the board, one of the few premiere free agents still available, and the one that appears to be the best fit for the club for a few reasons. The Dodgers and Blue Jays are the other clubs reportedly most seriously engaged with Tucker, with Toronto’s offer thought to be the longest term deal.
Tucker, entering his age 29 season, is a career .272/.358/.507 hitter wit 147 home runs and 119 stolen bases over his eight big league seasons. Since Tucker’s first full season in the majors, he’s never hit fewer than 22 home runs a season nor has had his OPS+ dip below 147. He’s played mostly right field over the past few seasons, but wold likely wind up in left if signed by the Mets.
There seems to be a sense among insiders that Tucker is nearing a decision, possibly later this week. Stay tuned.
