Story byMax GoodmanFri, January 16, 2026 at 8:39 AM UTC·4 min readKyle Tucker had a massive offer on the table from the Mets in free agency, a contract that would’ve given him a higher salary per year than Juan Soto. He decided to sign with the Dodgers instead, receiving a bigger contract from the two-time defending champs. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe superstar outfielder agreed to a deal with Los Angeles on Thursday night, Jeff Passan of ESPN was first to report. Tucker’s contract with Los Angeles is worth $240 million over four years. After Robert Murray of FanSided shared those initial contract figures, with the staggering $60 million average annual value, Passan reported the rest of the details: Tucker can opt out after the second and third years of his deal, he earned a $64 million signing bonus and $30 million is deferred. Just like that, the best hitter available in free agency this winter is off the board and the Mets need to pivot as they strive to fill out their starting outfield before spring training begins. The Mets’ offer was competitive. According to multiple reports on Thursday night, New York was prepared to give Tucker a four-year deal worth $220 million, a contract with no deferrals.
