What’s Next for Steve Cohen?

So, where could Steve Cohen channel the $50 million each year he’s set aside for another star outfielder?

It looks like Kyle Tucker has decided to go with the Dodgers instead of the Mets. Sources indicate he chose the Dodgers over Cohen’s hefty financial backing and the Blue Jays’ long-term stability.

According to reports, Tucker’s contract totals four years and $240 million.

The Mets have been on the lookout for the top hitter this winter and even held a virtual meeting with him. Their offer would position Tucker as the third-highest paid player in baseball based on average annual value, trailing only Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto.

But, surprisingly, a four-year deal worth about $50 million per year wasn’t enough to draw the former Astro and Cub away from the Dodgers, where two-time champion Edwin Diaz now plays.

After a winter that seemed to focus more on shedding players like Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, Edwin Diaz, and Jeff McNeil, the Mets clearly need at least one, maybe even two, outfielders and starting pitchers.

With Tucker off the table, David Stearns and his team can now pivot to explore the outfield and rotation markets through free agency or trades.

Cody Bellinger remains the top outfielder available, but he’s seeking a long-term deal, which the Mets would prefer to avoid. There are other center fielders potentially available via trade, like Jake Myers from the Astros, Luis Robert Jr. from the White Sox, and Brenton Doyle from the Rockies.

In terms of starting pitchers, Framber Valdez is the top free agent out there. If his market doesn’t pick up as he hopes, the Mets might seize the opportunity. Additionally, there are several starters worth considering for trade, such as Chris Bubic from the Royals, Mackenzie Gore from the Nationals, Freddy Peralta from the Brewers, Nick Pivetta from the Padres, and Joe Ryan from the Twins.

This week, Stearns reassured fans that the Mets are still competitive. Despite recent changes, including acquisitions of players like Marcus Semien, Jorge Polanco, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver, he stated, “We have elite talent at the top of our major league roster. We have a very good farm system. As we sit here today, we have a solid current major league team that will get even better by Opening Day.”