January is typically a quiet month for baseball news and transactions, but this offseason’s slow pace has stood out. Teams across MLB are showing increased reluctance to meet initial asking prices, instead waiting for markets to settle at figures they deem more reasonable. That patience has slowed movement at the top of the market, even as high-end talent remains available.
The New York Mets have embodied that approach. Despite Steve Cohen’s financial flexibility, the front office under President of Baseball Operations David Stearns has shown a willingness to wait rather than overextend, allowing the market to come to them. As a result, several star free agents — including Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, and Alex Bregman (who has been working out with Mark Vientos in Arizona) remain unsigned, along with several notable pitchers.
The Latest Mets Free Agent Rumblings as 2026 Begins
Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger?
We are beginning to get a clearer picture of the Mets’ thinking. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the club prefers Bellinger over Tucker. Tucker, the consensus top free agent in this offseason class, was once expected to command a long-term deal with a massive annual average value (AAV), but he may now have to settle for a shorter-term contract — albeit still at a high AAV. That does not mean the Mets will ultimately land Bellinger — or Tucker, for that matter — but it helps explain their preference. Bellinger has already proven he can thrive under the pressure cooker that is New York, a trait the organization values highly (Clay Holmes and Luke Weaver, with Devin Williams as the exception).
What we know about Kyle Tucker’s market, and what we should expect https://t.co/264SbqPkV5
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 6, 2026
Beyond that reasoning, Bellinger’s versatility makes him a better fit than Tucker. While both players own one Gold Glove, Bellinger can play all three outfield spots and first base — an appealing option for a Mets team that has not ruled out adding a player at the position. He should command less than Tucker, who could require a $400 million deal to sign. While money is not an issue, the Mets still need to allocate resources toward pitching, which remains a major priority.
The Mets are closely monitoring both players’ markets. If either market softens to a certain point, the team is prepared to strike — and likely will. Their hesitation is about contract length, not dollars. If either player’s market drops to the three- or four-year range, the Mets would jump in. The same approach applies to the top remaining free-agent pitchers.
Where the Mets Stand on Pitching
The Mets will undoubtedly add a starting pitcher to their rotation — they need to. Much like their approach with Bellinger and Tucker, the team is playing the waiting game with Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez, the top two remaining free-agent starters.
While a trade appears more likely than a free-agent signing at this stage, ESPN’s Buster Olney says “it seems inevitable that the Mets will land one of Framber Valdez or Ranger Suárez.” The Mets met with Valdez and his camp at the General Manager Meetings in November, along with the San Francisco Giants and Baltimore Orioles.
If either pitcher’s market drops, the Mets are prepared to pounce. However, it remains unclear whether Stearns is willing to sacrifice a compensatory draft pick for either arm. That concern loomed last offseason as well, when the Mets showed interest in Nick Pivetta before he ultimately signed a four-year, $66 million deal with the San Diego Padres after receiving a qualifying offer.
If the Mets fail to land a top-tier starter via free agency or trade, they will likely pivot to the “middle-tier” market. That group includes Nick Martinez, Chris Bassitt, Zack Littell, Patrick Corbin, Lucas Giolito (whom the Mets had interest in last offseason), and Jose Quintana, among others.
Other Notes
The Mets and reliever Drew Smith remain open to a reunion. Smith, 32, has spent all six years of his career with the organization and last appeared in a game in 2024. He underwent Tommy John surgery with an internal brace in 2025 and is expected to miss most of the ‘26 season. The Mets re-signed Smith in ‘25 to allow him to rehab with the club, but declined his option for 2026. Overall, Smith has posted a 3.48 ERA across 196 1/3 innings over 191 career appearances.
Main Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
