Overview
- ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported the agreement, which features opt-outs after the second and third seasons and an approximate $60 million average annual value.
- The deal sets a new AAV bar for outfielders and is reported to include deferrals, with some analyses noting a present-value annual record.
- The Mets’ bid was a four-year, $220 million offer with no deferrals, but Los Angeles outpaced it, prompting New York to consider options such as Cody Bellinger or Framber Valdez and potential trades.
- Toronto had pursued Tucker with willingness to go much longer in term, and coverage now points to a possible pivot toward retaining Bo Bichette.
- By adding Tucker after signing closer Edwin Díaz, the two-time defending champions fill their top needs but incur steep luxury-tax costs and multiple draft-pick penalties, fueling leaguewide competitive-balance and CBA discussions.