Mets have no chance of competing with Dodgers in latest Kyle Tucker free agency intel

With Kyle Tucker's former team, the Chicago Cubs, signing Alex Bregman to a five-year deal worth $175M, that ensures that Tucker will have a new team in 2026.

Tucker's free agency hasn't exactly played out in the way many expected at the start of the offseason. Tucker may not have a $400M offer on the table, and there's been increased speculation that he could seek a short-term deal with a high AAV. One that would be ripe for the picking by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The strongest suitor in Tucker's market is the Toronto Blue Jays. If Tucker does land a long-term deal this offseason, it's likely coming from the Blue Jays. The New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers are also potential suitors for the 2025 National League Silver Slugger. According to The Athletic's Will Sammon (subscription required), the Dodgers and Mets seem to prefer the short-term structure with Tucker.

Sammon also adds that it's still considered to be early for Tucker's market. The MLB insider isn't wrong with that assessment, but it's just Cody Bellinger and Bo Bichette remaining as the other impact bats remaining on the free-agent market. Teams, players, and agents likely are angling toward a resolution, especially with the start of spring training nearly a month away.

It's also important to note that Tucker could be in this situation due to how his season ended with the Cubs. He suffered through a prolonged offensive slump, and his recovery plan for injuries made it suggested that he may not be dedicated to the game that he chose to play for a living.

If an opportunity for Kyle Tucker is left on the table, the Dodgers are better positioned than the Mets

Assuming the Blue Jays don't pony up the long-term deal for Tucker, the Dodgers should be viewed as the better option than the New York Mets.

Part of the incentive for Tucker taking a short-term deal is so that he can replenish his value with the chance to cash in the following offseason or two. The Dodgers may offer the clearest path for that, considering Tucker's arrival would make him a secondary piece in the lineup. The attention wouldn't be on him in the way it was in Chicago, and even with the Mets, he would be viewed as the replacement to Pete Alonso in their lineup.

Not to mention, nothing raises a player's stock than playing in the World Series. Clearly, the Dodgers have the advantage there and should be the final selling point if the bidding gets down to Los Angeles or New York.