The New York Mets are still “very much” in the mix for outfielder Kyle Tucker, but they have some “stiff” competition, most notably the Toronto Blue Jays (with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the mix as well).<\/p>\n
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported the latest.<\/p>\n
“The Mets appear to be taking a very serious look at the No. 1 free agent on the market, Kyle Tucker. Next question: what are the chances to actually sign Tucker? Well, there are only a number of teams that can afford such a player, the Mets being one of them, so I’m not gonna say their chances are nil. <\/p>\n
“But I will say this, the competition looks stiff, even if there are only a few other teams in on Tucker, it does appear to be that two of those teams are the two World Series combatants, the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers.<\/p>\n
“Are any of these teams looking at that really long deal? You know, that $400 million deal? I don’t know that he’s going to get $400 million, I think the opportunity to blow past $300 million, according to executives around the league, probably still is there for such a great two-way player as Tucker.<\/p>\n
“Not sure who that’s gonna be with. Some people think it’s more likely the Blue Jays than the Mets or the Dodgers, but it’s possible that Tucker could opt for the shorter deal with a higher AAV and the opt-out, and that could bring the Mets or the Dodgers more into play. We shall see what goes on here. Very, very interesting development with the Mets. Does appear that they are very, very much in the mix for the No. 1 free agent, Kyle Tucker.”<\/p>\n
Tucker, who turns 29 years old on Jan. 17, is a four-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and one-time Gold Glove winner. He played his first seven seasons with the Houston Astros before they traded him to the Chicago Cubs for one campaign.<\/p>\n
Last year, Tucker hit .266 (.841 OPS) with 22 home runs and 73 RBI. He played a big part in helping the Cubs improve from 83 to 92 wins and make the playoffs.<\/p>\n