The latest update for the New York Mets’ pursuit of Kyle Tucker is a promising one for fans hoping to land the top outfielder.
Kyle Tucker, Mets Update
Three teams have met with Tucker. One of those teams plays in Queens.
Per MLB Network radio analyst Jim Duquette, Tucker has met with the Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays.
A League source confirmed to me that the three main teams involved in the Tucker negotiations (Tor, LAD, NYM) have all met with the player, either in person or over Zoom, as part of the recruiting process for a star player. Will be interesting to see if any of the 3 teams…
— Jim Duquette (@JimDuquetteGM) January 12, 2026
The three teams have met with Tucker “either in person or over Zoom,” as they attempt to sign the soon-to-be 29-year-old.
Duquette wrote, “Will be interesting to see if any of the 3 teams increase their offers soon to separate themselves from the other.”
Tucker remains the biggest free agent on the market. The left-handed batter is a four-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger, and Gold Glove recipient.
Tucker played his first seven seasons with the Houston Astros, culminating with a World Series win in 2022. In December 2024, the Astros traded Tucker to the Cubs for Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and Cam Smith.
In his lone season with the Cubs, Tucker registered a .266/.377/.464 slash line with 22 home runs and 25 stolen bases. Tucker has posted an OPS above .800 every year since 2020.
Original projections for Tucker’s contract were around 10 years for $400 million. Those estimates have likely come down since the beginning of the offseason.
Tucker might take a short-term deal with a high average annual value (AAV). Whatever contract he signs, Tucker will still take home a lucrative payday.
Mets’ Free Agency So Far
The Mets’ offseason has been defined by the players who have departed so far.
First baseman Pete Alonso, the Mets’ all-time home run leader, signed a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles in December 2025.
Edwin Díaz, who won the NL’s Reliever of the Year Award last season, signed a three-year, $69 million contract. $23 million is the highest AAV for a reliever.
The Mets also traded outfielder fan-favorite Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers for infielder Marcus Semien.
Although he let some of the team’s best players walk in free agency, Mets owner Steve Cohen has deep pockets and proved he will write a blank check for the right player. One year ago, Cohen signed Juan Soto to a 15-year, $765 million contract.
With Soto as the only definitive starting outfielder, we’ll see if Cohen and the Mets try to outbid the Dodgers and Blue Jays for Tucker’s services.