Speaking on BNNY, SNY insider Andy Martino didn’t hesitate when asked whether Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker is more likely to land in Queens. “I would say Bellinger, for sure,” Martino said, explaining why Tucker simply doesn’t align with what the Mets are trying to build defensively after moving on from Brandon Nimmo.
Martino argued that Tucker’s defensive profile doesn’t fit the Mets’ revamped outfield plan. “Tucker doesn’t work for the Mets… he’s an average to perhaps above-average defender at a corner,” he said, adding that signing him would force New York to “put him in right and move Juan Soto to left, which would be suboptimal, to say the least.”
He also questioned the contract implications, noting how the Mets are trying to avoid repeating past mistakes. “You just got out of an over-long contract with Nimmo. You’re going to do a decade for Kyle Tucker?” Martino said. In contrast, “Bellinger does that,” referring to the defensive upgrade New York is seeking.
Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker’s market value
Cody Bellinger currently has a market value estimated at $182 million by Spotrac. Analysts like Andy Martino recognize this is a price point close to what the Mets might pay for a five-to-six-year contract. Knowing that Scott Boras is his agent, it’s evident that this price is likely very close to the reality if any team wants to sign him.
On the other hand, Kyle Tucker’s market price is significantly higher on Spotrac, which projects him for a 10-year contract worth $400 million. This contract would carry an average annual salary nearly $10 million higher than Bellinger’s, though Tucker is two years younger.
When could the Mets’ decision be known?
There is nothing official yet; the Mets have not stated that they are negotiating with either Bellinger or Tucker. Therefore, Martino’s analysis suggests that Bellinger is definitely the player they are more likely to sign, giving him the favoritism over Tucker, who is also a valuable player but may be better suited for other teams.