Free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker met with the New York Mets, making them one of three teams to do so in what has been a slow-moving market.
There is no shortage of interest in Tucker from other teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, but his contract is expected to be the biggest in free agency, and deals of that nature can take time to develop.
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The Mets have suffered more subtractions than additions this offseason, losing players via trade and free agency with little in the way of replacements.
However, there are still quality position players who can make an impact next year on the market, including Tucker, Bo Bichette, and Cody Bellinger, all of whom make up the marquee names.
After dealing with Brandon Nimmo earlier in the offseason, many in the baseball world expected the Mets to make a move for Bellinger or Tucker to fill the need in the outfield.
Early on, it seemed they were content to avoid a big-money free agent, but since Jim Duquette reported that the Mets met with Tucker, hope that New York can make a big signing has grown.
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According to Mark Sanchez of the New York Post, Tucker’s meeting with the Mets’ top brass went well.
“David Stearns and crew met recently over Zoom with baseball’s top free agent, sources confirmed, demonstrating at least a possibility that this winter in Queens can be remembered for additions as much as subtractions,” Sanchez wrote for the Post.
“Former Mets GM and current SiriusXM voice Jim Duquette reported Sunday that the Mets, Blue Jays and Dodgers 1) are the three top contenders for Tucker and 2) have met with him. A source said the Mets virtual get-together went well.”
How does Tucker fit with the Mets?
Tucker is one of the more well-rounded players in baseball, able to affect all facets of the game. Not all of his five tools are totally balanced in terms of their effectiveness, though he can hit for contact and power, along with fielding at a good level.
Additionally, he runs the bases well, and his approach to the plate translates well over the course of a season.
The Mets would get a quality bat interested in the lineup, and their defense would notably improve, something that has been a focus for the organization.
It won’t make up for the loss of fan favorites in Pete Alonso, Nimmo, and Edwin Diaz, but signing Tucker would go a long way to reuniting the fan base.
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