After dropping out of the playoff picture on the last day of the season, David Stearns hasn’t rejected the idea of a roster shake-up. The Mets come into the offseason prepared to be proactive and ready to lay focus on run prevention. And as owner, Steve Cohen’s deep pockets have proven, they are not limited in resources, either.

As indicated by the signing of the biggest deal in the history of North American sports ($765 million) last season, the Mets have the ability to compete for the top free agent. This offseason, it is Kyle Tucker with his $ 400 million market value and a status as arguably the best all-around hitter. If the Mets do consider making a move, money won’t be a factor stopping them; their existing roster would.

“I don’t see the fit for the Mets because they have two corner outfielders already, so I just don’t see how they get that bad into the lineup,” MLB insider Andy Martino expressed on SNY Baseball Night in New York.

As mentioned, the Mets already have corner outfielders locked in… Brandon Nimmo, who’s settled nicely into left field, and Starling Marte, who’s still under contract in right (even if his health has been inconsistent). Then there’s also Juan Soto.

The 26-year-old also occupies the right field, where Tucker is also known to play predominantly. Sure, the Mets would have an extra reliable slugger who finished this year with 22 HR at .266 BA, but it doesn’t end with the outfielders.

Top Stories

Trey Yesavage Offers Selfless Sacrifice After World Series Heroics Proving What Blue Jays Mean to Him

Who is Trey Yesavage’s Girlfriend? Everything You Need To Know About Taylor Frick

Who Is Trey Yesavage? Nationality, Net Worth, Girlfriend, Parents, Siblings & Career So Far

Meet Davis Schneider: Blue Jays Star’s Wife, Parents, Net worth, Contract and More

SoCal Legend Turns Back on LA Dodgers With Blue Jays Allegiance in World Series Stunner

Stearns is also left to focus on the impact of the players who would be stepping out. Pete Alonzo’s departure would leave a hole in the infield, while the likes of Gregory Soto, Ryan Helsley, and Tyler Rogers would leave an already struggling bullpen looking for a rebuild.

For instance, Edwin Diaz is expected to use his opt-out. Then there’s Reed Garrett and Dedniel Nunez, who will miss next season after Tommy John surgery. If Diaz leaves, this could turn into one of the biggest bullpen overhauls the Mets have had in years. That’s why spending something close to $400 million on Kyle Tucker doesn’t make much sense… It would eat up too much payroll flexibility at a time when they’ll need to rebuild their relief corps from the ground up.

Moreover, the Mets are already tasked with managing three rookies with unclear plans for Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong — a veteran presence is a necessity.

With rotation gaps and bullpen uncertainty, the Mets are expected to pursue arms like Jordan Hicks, Josh Hader, or Michael King while developing prospects such as Christian Scott and Blade Tidwell. For now, discipline and long-term stability matter more to them than a big sum outfielder.

So just when the Mets stepped back from the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes, the Yankees emerged as the stronger contender.

Kyle Tucker could find a better fit for the Yankees?

Torn between Tucker and Cody Bellinger, who signed with the team on a 3-year $80 million contract following Soto’s departure, the Yankees seem to lean toward Tucker’s superior consistency. The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner, for one, is building a strong case for the team to go for it.

Over the past three seasons Tucker’s wRC+ sits at 147, compared to Bellinger’s 123, with higher OBP (.380 vs. .338) and SLG (.511 vs. .477). Tucker also headlines a loaded free agent class with stars like Pete Alonso and Corbin Burnes.

Kirschner wrote, “With Tucker having a higher slug, his ability to pull the ball in the air would be massive playing half of his games in Yankee Stadium. Tucker’s 45 percent pull percentage is higher than Bellinger’s 43.9 percent pull percentage.

“How many playoff games are won because a team’s left or right fielder made routine plays, or even spectacular ones? How many playoff games are won when you have more offensive talent in your lineup? These are the questions the Yankees should be asking.”

The Yankees, used to crossing the luxury tax line, remain aggressive in their win-now push. The Mets, meanwhile, have shifted gears under David Stearns, focusing on pitching and roster balance after their previous big-spending seasons fell short.