It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of future free agent classes. However, as Ferris Bueller reminds us, we should take a moment to appreciate the present. The New York Mets already have Juan Soto, and while dreaming of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting behind him in 2026 is enticing, there’s time for those fantasies later.
According to NorthJersey.com, a set of 25 predictions for the 2025 Mets season delves into what could unfold this year. Speculation is part of the preseason fun, and among their boldest predictions is a massive free-agent signing. They foresee the Mets making a $400 million splash—not for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., but for Kyle Tucker.
How realistic is it for the Mets to shell out $400 million for Tucker? As a fallback option after Soto, Tucker is a dream acquisition. Yankees fans were already hoping for him when Soto landed with the Mets. Tucker, who emerged as a star with the Houston Astros in 2021, remains somewhat underrated. Now with the Chicago Cubs for 2025, he’ll aim to prove he’s worth a mega-deal before his 29th birthday.
A $400 million contract seems ambitious for someone entering free agency right before turning 29. A ten-year deal at $40 million annually might make it more reasonable, but Tucker’s position—right field—lacks the premium value of others. For comparison, Aaron Judge has shown the versatility to handle center field, albeit with one unfortunate October misstep. Tucker isn’t quite that type of player.
Whether Tucker lands a $400 million deal is debatable, but the idea of the Mets signing him raises questions. Does Soto shift to DH or left field? What happens to Brandon Nimmo? While Nimmo could play some center field again, he’s better suited to left as he ages.
Ultimately, the Mets may have more practical ways to spend $400 million next offseason. Splitting it between two $200 million pitchers could be wiser. It’s not a knock on Tucker—it’s just that building a roster is like dessert. Sometimes, too much chocolate needs a little buttercream to balance things out.
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