The Mets’ offer to Kyle Tucker had warning track power — it came up just short.
New York offered the four-time All-Star outfielder a four-year deal worth $220 million, The Post’s Jon Heyman reported. The deal included no deferrals and was worth $60 million for each of the first two seasons and $50 million for the final two.
The Dodgers ultimately won the bidding on Thursday with a $240 million contract over four years. It includes opt-outs after years 2 and 3, according to multiple reports.
Even with $30 million of Tucker’s contract reportedly deferred, it becomes the largest present value contract — in terms of average annual value — in MLB history.
It’s not clear what the Blue Jays, who were long considered one of the front-runners in the sweepstakes, offered. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Wednesday night that Toronto could “potentially” give up to 10 years.
Tucker jumping to the two-time defending World Series champions boosts an obvious need in their outfield, and it also presents the Mets with a challenge in the same part of the diamond.
The Amazin’s traded Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers for second baseman Marcus Semien this offseason, in theory leaving a spot open in left field. Tyrone Taylor is still under contract, and president of baseball operations David Stearns said earlier this offseason that prospect Carson Benge will have a chance to make the team out of spring training. But if it’s those two and Juan Soto as the three starting outfielders on Opening Day remains to be seen.
Cody Bellinger is likely the next best available outfielder on the market, but Heyman reported Thursday that the Yankees have now included two opt-outs in their dogged pursuit to bring him back to The Bronx.
