The Mets are swinging big. In what’s becoming one of the most talked-about pursuits of the offseason, New York has reportedly sweetened the pot in their bid to land Kyle Tucker, the crown jewel of the 2025-26 free agent class. Once thought to be dangling a stunning short-term, high-AAV deal worth $50 million per year, the Mets have apparently tacked on a fourth year to their offer, a clear sign they’re digging in for a serious fight.
Steve Cohen steps in as the Mets up their offer
This isn’t just about money. It’s about Steve Cohen making a statement.
According to SNY’s Jim Duquette, the team’s billionaire owner is now personally involved in the negotiations. When that happens, it’s rarely a quiet conversation. Cohen doesn’t whisper; he makes noise. And right now, the Mets are screaming for relevance after another underwhelming offseason that’s left their rotation in limbo and their offense leaning heavily on Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor. Adding Kyle Tucker would be more than just a splash; it’d be a cannonball.
Blue Jays looming as serious competition
But the Mets aren’t alone. North of the border, the Blue Jays are quietly trying to woo Tucker with a long-term deal. According to reports, Toronto has already made its pitch, and while the details are under wraps, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale notes that Tucker is holding out for a better AAV. This isn’t a player in a rush. He knows his value, and he’s playing the field.
And why shouldn’t he? Even with injuries slowing him in the second half of 2025, Tucker still slashed .266/.377/.464 with 22 homers, 25 doubles, and 25 stolen bases. That’s elite production, and it came while battling a fractured hand and a strained calf. A fully healthy Tucker isn’t just an asset; he’s a game-changer.
Tucker could reshape the Mets’ narrative
For the Mets, he’d be the long-overdue finishing touch to a lineup that desperately needs one more star to contend. For Tucker, the question now becomes which team will offer not just the most years or dollars, but the clearest path to October.
The Mets are making their move. But this game is far from over.
