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Mets News & Buzz: Mets could turn to Kyle Tucker to save offseason; lose out on Tatsuya Imai, more

Originally posted on Empire Sports Media
By Andres Chavez | Last updated Jan 1, 2026 9:00 PM ET

With Cody Bellinger looking likely to sign elsewhere, the New York Mets checked in on Kyle Tucker, one of the few men who can actually save their offseason. Meanwhile, they witnessed how the Houston Astros agreed to sign Tatsuya Imai, with the Mets not really being among the finalists. Let’s dive into the news!

Mets’ outfield could be getting a huge upgrade with Kyle Tucker link

The Mets’ offseason urgency isn’t really about the rotation, even if losing out on Tatsuya Imai to Houston still stung. The bigger issue is an outfield that barely exists beyond Juan Soto. With Cedric Mullins, Jose Siri, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil all gone, the depth chart is alarmingly thin, leaving role players and unproven bats to fill everyday spots. That imbalance has sharpened the focus on just how unfinished the roster feels as the calendar keeps moving.

As Cody Bellinger looks increasingly unlikely, the Mets’ attention has drifted toward a far bolder idea: Kyle Tucker. The Cubs star would instantly reshape the lineup and defense, giving Soto a legitimate counterpart and restoring credibility to the outfield. Tucker’s all-around production makes the fit obvious, but the cost — potentially north of $400 million — forces a philosophical crossroads for David Stearns.

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Sustainability versus urgency is no longer theoretical; the roster is demanding an answer. Whether the Mets pull the trigger or not, even checking in on Tucker signals how close they may be to a defining moment this offseason.

Yankees and Mets ‘weren’t seriously involved’ in Imai’s sweepstakes

Imai’s signing with the Astros revealed more through absence than action for the Yankees and Mets. Despite clear rotation needs and financial flexibility, neither New York team seriously pursued the Japanese right-hander. Houston, meanwhile, committed aggressively to a deal built on confidence, betting that Imai’s NPB dominance would translate quickly to MLB impact.

The Mets’ decision to pass on Imai was more philosophical: avoiding premium dollars for projection, even when the upside is tantalizing. Both teams chose caution over curiosity, a stance that will be judged entirely by how Imai performs in Houston. If he thrives, restraint will look like passivity. If he struggles, it will look like discipline. Either way, the questions for New York are just getting louder.

Mets’ Jonah Tong is quietly re-engineering his arsenal for a 2026 breakout

While trade rumors swirl around names like Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, and Freddy Peralta, the Mets’ rotation future may hinge on someone already in-house. Jonah Tong’s brutal 2025 debut — a 7.71 ERA and too many walks and homers — masked the raw talent that made him a top prospect. Even in struggle, he missed bats at an elite rate, signaling that the foundation is very real.

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This offseason, Tong has focused on turning that raw stuff into a complete arsenal, most notably by developing a slider to complement his explosive fastball. His analytical, self-aware approach has impressed the organization, which quietly believes his growth could change the entire rotation equation. If Tong’s offseason work translates, the Mets may discover that their most impactful pitching addition didn’t come from free agency or a blockbuster trade, but from patience and internal development.

This article first appeared on Empire Sports Media and was syndicated with permission.

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