Mets predicted to sign $21M veteran to bolster rotation, create trio with Kodak Senga, Clay Holmes

Hunter Cookston

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Mets predicted to sign $21M veteran to bolster rotation, create trio with Kodak Senga, Clay Holmes image

The New York Mets went all in on Kyle Tucker once they realized he was seeking shorter-term deals with a higher AAV. The Mets did their best to present an offer they felt was strong enough to land him.

“The Mets’ final offer to Kyle Tucker was for four years and $220MM, reports Jim Duquette of MLB Network on Sirius XM Radio. Jon Heyman of The New York Post adds that the offer included no deferred money and would have been slightly frontloaded, paying $120MM over the first two seasons. Will Sammon of The Athletic adds that it included a $75MM signing bonus and allowed Tucker to opt out after the second and third season,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Anthony Franco wrote.

However, Tucker ultimately signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the Mets did an excellent job reacting and pivoting.

“The New York Mets, in a quick pivot after failing to sign Kyle Tucker, have agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract with infielder Bo Bichette, sources confirmed to ESPN on Friday,” ESPN’s Jorge Castillo wrote.

While the Mets are likely set in the field, they still need help in the rotation. FanSided’s Christopher Kline believes they could strike a deal with Nick Martinez.

“The Mets are probably done with huge contracts after the Bichette deal, but this rotation needs help. Nick Martinez has moved fluidly between starter and reliever over the past couple years in Cincinnati. Last season was a mixed bag — 4.45 ERA in 165.2 innings — but he was far more effective in 2024, and his baseline strengths still showed up in the analytics,” Kline wrote.

The Mets dealt with injuries in their rotation last season and didn’t have the year they had hoped for. After going from the best team in baseball to missing the playoffs entirely, things in New York are now trending upward.

Starting pitching is a must for the Mets, and Martinez could come in on a deal that won’t be too costly. New York is clearly set on bolstering the rotation this year.

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Contributing writer

Contributing Writer