Report: Mets eyeing Tucker, would prefer short-term deal

There's a new entrant in the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes - for the right price.

The New York Mets are among the teams showing the most interest in the four-time All-Star outfielder, sources told Will Sammon of The Athletic. However, New York's preference would be to land Tucker on a shorter-term deal with a higher average annual value instead of a long-term agreement, Sammon adds.

On paper, Tucker would be a great fit at Citi Field. The Mets have an opening in the corner outfield after trading Brandon Nimmo to Texas in November. Tucker's primarily played right field in the majors but does have 72 games of experience in left and could easily switch corners with Juan Soto entrenched in right.

He'd also help fill the lineup void left by Pete Alonso's departure to Baltimore. Tucker, Soto, and Francisco Lindor would rank among the best top-order trios in baseball.

The Mets haven't been quiet this winter despite losing Alonso and star closer Edwin Díaz in free agency. New York replaced Díaz by luring Devin Williams and Luke Weaver away from the crosstown rival Yankees, inked slugging infielder Jorge Polanco to a two-year deal, and acquired veteran second baseman Marcus Semien in the Nimmo trade.

New York's main competition for Tucker appears to be the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers, according to Sammon. Toronto is reportedly ramping up its pursuit of the 28-year-old after signing Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto on Sunday. The Orioles and Yankees have also been linked to Tucker this winter.

Tucker's been among the most consistent hitters in baseball since reaching the majors in 2018, owning a career .273/.358/.507 slash line with 147 homers, 490 RBIs, and 119 steals across 769 big-league games. As a member of the Chicago Cubs in 2025, he won his second career Silver Slugger despite being limited to 136 games because of injuries.