Blue Jays Seen as Tucker Frontrunner, Mets Still in the Mix

Kyle Tucker’s market might be heating up.

On New Year’s Day, Jon Heyman of the New York Post stated that the Mets had checked in with free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker. Heyman noted the feeling was that Tucker may not be able to secure the $400 million contract he was projected to receive going into the offseason.

On Monday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today affirmed the report that Tucker may not get that larger contract and may need to settle for a shorter deal with a higher AAV, something that might appeal to the Mets.

Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet discussed Kyle Tucker’s free agency. His read on the Tucker situation was that, “At one point, the Blue Jays looked like the best candidate to give Kyle Tucker a long-term deal. Now I would say that’s the Mets.”

However, Mark Feinsand of MLB offered a conflicting report on Monday, noting that while the Mets have expressed interest in Tucker, the Blue Jays may remain as the favorites to sign the coveted free agent. Feinsand reports that the Mets, the Yankees and the Dodgers are also interested in the left-handed power hitter.

Of note, Kyle Tucker has a relationship with both of the Mets’ new hitting coaches. Tucker worked with Jeff Albert in the minors and Troy Snitker in the majors in his time with the Astros. As career .273/.358/.507 hitter with 147 home runs, Tucker would bring a potent bat to Queens, greatly upgrading their outfield.

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