Mets predicted to sign $350M World Series champion, 4-time All-Star, possible Juan Soto move

Staff Writer
Mets predicted to sign $350M World Series champion, 4-time All-Star, possible Juan Soto move image

The biggest name in this free-agent class is none other than Kyle Tucker, and it isn’t even close. The Cubs traded for him before the season started, fully aware it was a risk given his expiring contract. Aside from battling injuries, Tucker was terrific for Chicago. However, his end-of-season comments make it seem like he won’t be returning.

“We'll see what happens. Don't know what the future is going to hold. If not, it's been an honor playing with all these guys and wish everyone best of luck whether it’s playing next year or not with them,” Tucker said.

Tucker is expected to be the highest-paid free agent this winter, barring something unpredictable. The lefty brings a strong bat and a reliable arm in right field — he’s simply going to get paid.

“Predicted Contract: 10 years, $350 million. This would be the fifth-largest contract ever given to an outfielder, and only Juan Soto ($51 million), Aaron Judge ($40 million) and Mike Trout ($35.5 million) clock in with a higher AAV on their deals,” Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter wrote.

Any team would be fortunate to land Tucker, but MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand believes the New York Mets could be that team.

“Tucker would be a solid addition to the lineup, though his arrival in New York would require a move to left field for either him or Soto. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns was the Astros’ assistant GM when Houston drafted Tucker with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2015 Draft,” Feinsand wrote.

If Tucker signs, he will likely want to remain in right field, which would force Juan Soto to shift positions. It will be interesting to see if Soto is willing to give up right field.

Still, if the star power is there, one of them will have to accept a change. The Mets are coming off possibly one of the biggest collapses in franchise history, and this move could be what puts them back on track.

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Editorial Team