Free-agent left fielder Kyle Tucker’s market has been slow to develop, but that’s to say there is a lack of interest.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Wednesday that both the Mets and Yankees have checked in on the star lefty, along with most other big-market teams.
The 28-year-old is primed for a significant payday — one that could pay him over $400 million in a long-term deal. It would certainly seem warranted, too. Tucker is one of just five players to post a WAR of at least 4 in each of the last five seasons, joining Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Jose Ramirez.
After spending parts of seven seasons with the Houston Astros, a down year with the Chicago Cubs in 2025 featured 22 home runs and 73 RBI, along with an .841 OPS, in 136 games.
At his best, he is a perennial 30-home-run, 100-RBI guy that plays a premium position, and it makes him a logical fit for the Mets.
David Stearns traded away Brandon Nimmo, meaning two-thirds of his outfield is uncertain — the only given being Soto in right. Top prospect Carson Benge will be given every opportunity to make the Opening Day roster in spring training and would slot into center. Bringing in Tucker would suddenly round out an impressive outfield and could possibly soften the blow should slugging first baseman Pete Alonso opt to sign elsewhere this winter.
The Yankees’ interest in Tucker might be based on more hypotheticals than anything. They re-signed Trent Grisham to play center field in 2026 alongside Aaron Judge in right. Retaining free-agent left fielder Cody Bellinger, who had a strong first year with the Yankees this past campaign, still appears to be general manager Brian Cashman’s top priority.
If Bellinger were to go elsewhere, Tucker would be an expensive pivot, and owner Hal Steinbrenner has shown himself to be hesitant to dole out huge contracts in recent years.
