It may take Kyle Tucker signing before the NY Mets make their starting pitcher move

MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand hasn’t counted out the New York Mets in a move for Kyle Tucker based on their tendency to spend big. That’s not really much of a unique thought. We’re all expecting the Mets to grab any opportunity they can, maybe more so than in past offseasons led by Steve Cohen.

The Cohen-David Stearns duo are a unique mix of patient waiting and free-spending. They can either flourish or flounder. Thus far, we’ve seen examples of both in as many tries.

Until Tucker signs, we might not see the Mets push over the boulder over the cliff in their starting pitcher search. Yet to add or subtract to a full rotation, the Tucker dam breaking feels necessary and maybe so because the Mets actually are candidates to sign him to a shorter contract.

If the Mets are real Kyle Tucker suitors on a shorter contract, it makes sense to wait on the starting pitcher market

Three of the best starting pitchers available right now come with the qualifying offer penalty cost of two draft picks plus $1 million in international bonus slot money. Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, and Zac Gallen would cost the Mets those things. It equates to making a trade for a free agent. It makes all three just a little less desirable when they come with the added ball and chain.

It’s an annual debate. Which free agents are worth the penalty? Because the Mets have spent so much on payroll in recent years, they’ve been the most heavily-penalized. Juan Soto was an exception not worth arguing about. Tucker is a little bit different, especially if the Mets aren’t awarding him with a long-term contract.

For sure, the Mets won’t sign Tucker and one of the three starting pitchers with the QO penalty. Adding two would steal an additional pair of draft picks from the Mets. That’s less sensible when there are already questions about if those starting pitchers are worth it.

Tucker’s number of suitors seems limited to the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, and possibly the New York Yankees. We can’t rule out a mystery team. In particular, if Tucker is going to give the Mets one of those Alex Bregman-style contracts, other teams could surely jump at the opportunity. Why wouldn’t they?

A good player yet not the generational star status as Soto, Tucker is young enough to take a one-year deal to rebuild his free agent stock. The CBT expiring on December 1 throws a curveball into everyone’s future financial plans, potentially dragging out Tucker’s free agency longer than needed.

Every insider keeps linking the Mets back to Valdez because of their obvious need for starting pitching. Hopefully he has a pot of coffee that’ll keep warm for a while longer. It doesn’t seem as if the Mets are going to pounce until Tucker’s future is finalized.