The Toronto Blue Jays may be watching Kyle Tucker’s free agency closely, but it’s the New York Mets who continue to loom largest in the conversation surrounding one of baseball’s most coveted stars. With Steve Cohen’s financial firepower and an increasingly flexible roster, New York remains firmly planted in the center of nearly every high-end free-agent discussion — and Tucker is no exception.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Mets have already “checked in” with Tucker’s camp regarding a potential contract. That alone is enough to elevate the rumors from background noise to something very real. Tucker is not just another All-Star outfielder; he is a four-time All-Star, a two-time Silver Slugger, and one of the most complete position players in baseball. At 28 years old, he is entering the heart of his prime, and industry projections now place his market value well north of $400 million.

Why Kyle Tucker Makes Sense for the Mets

From a roster-construction standpoint, the Mets have created a scenario where a player like Tucker fits almost too cleanly.

After trading away Brandon Nimmo and watching Cedric Mullins depart via free agency, New York’s outfield depth has taken a noticeable hit. Juan Soto remains the cornerstone, but beyond him, the options thin out quickly. The decision to move on from Jeff McNeill, who once projected as a potential corner-outfield fallback, only further emphasizes the void.

As things stand, Carson Benge projects as the Opening Day left fielder — a clear sign that the Mets are not finished reshaping this roster. Whether through trade or free agency, an outfield upgrade is inevitable. The question is not if, but how aggressively the Mets are willing to pursue that solution.

Kyle Tucker represents the nuclear option.

He brings elite offensive consistency, base-stealing ability, strong defense, and postseason credibility. Slotting Tucker next to Soto would instantly give the Mets one of the most feared outfield tandems in baseball, while also balancing the lineup with a left-handed bat capable of both power and patience.

Contract Projections and Market Reality

There is little mystery surrounding Tucker’s price tag — only debate over how high it will climb.

SportsGrid recently projected Tucker to land a 10-year, $430 million deal, carrying an average annual value of $43 million. ESPN and MLB insiders have echoed similar ranges, with some suggesting the final number could rise depending on bidding pressure from large-market teams.

Tucker’s 2025 production justifies the optimism:

• 136 games played

• .266/.377/.464 slash line

• 22 home runs

• 25 stolen bases

• 136 wRC+

• 4.5 fWAR

These numbers reflect not just star power, but durability and versatility — traits front offices are increasingly prioritizing when committing to decade-long deals.

Why Cody Bellinger Still Looms Large

Despite the Tucker buzz, it would be a mistake to assume the Mets are all-in on the top of the market. As MLBTradeRumors.com pointed out, Cody Bellinger remains New York’s preferred outfield target, largely due to contract flexibility.

Bellinger is expected to command fewer years and less guaranteed money, giving the Mets a high-upside solution without fully locking themselves into another massive long-term commitment. This matters because the Mets have already shown reluctance to hand out lengthy contracts to starting pitchers this winter, signaling a more calculated version of Cohen-era spending.

In other words, two truths can coexist:

1. The Mets are fully capable of signing Kyle Tucker.

2. They may prefer Bellinger if the price gap becomes too wide.

That dynamic does not remove New York from the Tucker sweepstakes — it simply means they are prepared to pivot if negotiations escalate beyond their internal comfort zone.

Where the Blue Jays Fit In

The Blue Jays remain a wild card. Toronto has been searching for a franchise-altering bat to complement Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and stabilize a roster that has flirted with contention without fully breaking through. Tucker would fit seamlessly into that vision.

However, unlike the Mets, Toronto must weigh Tucker’s cost against payroll structure and long-term flexibility more carefully. While they can compete financially, matching or exceeding a $430 million offer would represent a franchise-altering decision, both competitively and economically.

If the Mets push aggressively, Toronto may be forced to decide whether Tucker is worth reshaping the organization’s financial future.

The Bigger Picture

The Kyle Tucker sweepstakes represent more than just another free-agent chase. They highlight the current state of MLB’s elite tier — where a small group of teams can realistically pursue generational talent, and where roster clarity matters as much as money.

For the Mets, Tucker is a clean solution to multiple problems:

• He replaces lost outfield production.

• He protects Juan Soto in the lineup.

• He raises the team’s offensive ceiling immediately.

• He signals long-term commitment to contention.

Whether or not New York ultimately pulls the trigger, their involvement alone guarantees that Tucker’s market will be both competitive and historic.

And until a deal is signed, the Mets — along with the Blue Jays — will remain at the center of baseball’s most consequential offseason storyline.