MLB Insider Buzz: Mets eye long-term ace in Tarik Skubal while pouring cold water on Kyle Tucker pursuit

The New York Mets have been active for several reasons lately, as MLB insider Jon Heyman shared the latest updates on several free agents. This includes updates on Tarik Skubal and Kyle Tucker.

With the 2025-26 offseason heading to the end of December, the offseason is entering an interesting phase where signings have become imminent.

Mets target a true ace in Tarik Skubal

Tarik Skubal won his second straight AL Cy Young while representing the Detroit Tigers. His stay there is entering its final year in 2026, following which he will become a free agent.

The southpaw is expected to command the largest sum ever given to a pitcher. As such, the Tigers may not be willing to spend that much, opening avenues for other teams to trade for him before the deadline.

In this scenario, according to Jon Heyman, the Mets have emerged as a suitable fit for the standout ace, with the LA Dodgers also expected to give them a fight to land him. Both are big market teams, so whoever grabs Skubal is likely to give him a big contract, therefore, maybe never letting him enter the free agent market.

Pitching was one of their weaknesses in 2025, and there are plenty of options available this offseason. This includes Framber Valdez, but the Mets are expected to offer him a short-term contract, unlike what they expect to potentially give Skubal. They may also go after reliever Mason Miller.

Mets no longer pursuing Kyle Tucker

While the Mets are interested in the pitching department, they are taking a step back in their pursuit of one of the biggest free agents on the market, Kyle Tucker. In the early part of the offseason, they were in on the outfielder but as per the latest update from Heyman, the possibility is unlikely.

Instead, the Mets are interested in another free agent outfielder, Cody Bellinger. However, they will have to battle out against the New York Yankees, who would like to bring back their outfielder.

Heyman also noted that the Mets are not interested in slugger Kazuma Okamoto, whose posting period will be completed in the first week of January. With Pete Alonso's departure, they are interested in bringing free agent outfielder Austin Hays into the fold.

Edited by Krutik Jain