The New York Mets are reportedly pursuing star free agent Kyle Tucker with a substantial contract offer, aiming to enhance their lineup. However, insights from various insiders suggest that the fit may not be as seamless as it appears.
Quick context
According to a report by Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Mets have presented Tucker with a contract worth between $120 million and $140 million over three years. This significant investment underscores the team’s desire to land one of baseball’s top left-handed hitters as they seek to fill the void after trading for Brandon Nimmo.
High stakes for Tucker
While the Mets’ willingness to invest heavily in Tucker indicates a strong interest, insider Bob Nightengale has suggested they may be offering even more. Nightengale stated that Tucker might receive an average of $50 million a season over a three- or four-year deal. If confirmed, this would make Tucker’s contract one of the highest in baseball history, behind only Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto in terms of Average Annual Value (AAV).
Concerns about fit
However, not all experts believe this is a perfect match for the Mets. Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic raised questions regarding Tucker’s defensive capabilities, noting a decline since he won the Gold Glove Award in 2022. Given that David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, has emphasized improving the team’s defense, Rosenthal finds it puzzling that the Mets would pursue Tucker under these circumstances.
Additionally, Rosenthal pointed out that Tucker’s “low-key personality” may not align well with the high-pressure environment of the New York market. This remark isn’t the first of its kind, as other insiders have also speculated on whether Tucker possesses the temperament needed to thrive in such a demanding atmosphere.
The bottom line
Despite these concerns, the Mets remain in need of reinforcements in their batting lineup, especially after the departures of key players like Nimmo and Pete Alonso. Eddie Rosario and Cody Bellinger are other names being discussed as alternatives, but securing either player is vital for the Mets to avoid what many fans and analysts see as a disappointing offseason.
While Tucker’s signing may not be perfect, the breadth of interest from the Mets is indicative of a team eager to bolster its competitiveness as the new season approaches.
Original source: Open the source
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