The Dodgers reloaded once more, stealing yet one more high-profile free agent away from the Mets.
In line with sources, the Mets provided Tucker a four-year, $200 million contract — a $50 million AAV.
Tucker’s cope with Los Angeles contains opt-outs after the second and third seasons. The proper fielder, who can be 29 on Saturday, was thought-about the perfect free agent left out there.
One of the best remaining match for the Mets could be Cody Bellinger, who has been negotiating with the Yankees.
The Toronto Blue Jays have been believed to have made a long-term supply to the lefty-swinging nook outfielder. The Mets and Blue Jays have gone after a number of the identical gamers in latest winters, solely to see them go to Los Angeles.
With its near-perfect climate, it’s picture-perfect ballpark backdrop, and its championship pedigree, Los Angeles is now the premier vacation spot in baseball, and the middle of the baseball universe. It ought to put a baseball-mad metropolis like New York on alert.
However for the Mets, that is an particularly distinctive intestine punch. Nearer Edwin Diaz spurned the Mets for the Dodgers a month in the past, signing for $69 million over three years with deferrals, solely $3 million greater than what New York provided him. It shocked the Mets: Diaz had instructed a number of members of the group he wished to return to Queens, however in the long run he by no means gave the Mets an opportunity to even counter the Los Angeles supply.
Japanese pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Saskaki have chosen the Dodgers over the Mets in every of the final two offseasons. The Mets additionally tried to court docket Shohei Ohtani throughout his free company two years in the past, however backed off after the two-way celebrity confirmed little curiosity in return.
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns dismantled the core of the membership this winter, buying and selling Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, and letting Pete Alonso stroll to the Baltimore Orioles. Tucker was anticipated to be a key substitute. They nonetheless want one other outfielder, with solely Soto and Tyrone Taylor on the energetic roster. Jared Younger is predicted to go between Triple-A and the large leagues at first base and left area as soon as once more, taking part in the the identical position he did final season.
Carson Benge, a highly-rated prospect, will get an opportunity to make the workforce out of spring coaching.
That is the second time the Mets have tried and did not acquire Tucker. The membership beforehand tried to commerce for Tucker on the deadline in 2019, providing a package deal to Houston that centered round former Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler. The commerce by no means materialized.
Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts will now plug Tucker right into a lineup that already contains stars Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
Tucker departs from the Chicago Cubs after slashing .266/.377/.464 with 22 homers and 73 RBI in 2025. He had a down season defensively with -2 OAA, however has been a plus-defender all through his profession.
Tucker is a five-time All-Star who gained a World Collection with the Houston Astros in 2022.
