Strange Mets-Rangers trade adds more fuel that Kyle Tucker is done with the Cubs

Every indication remains that the Chicago Cubs won't be at the forefront of bidding for Kyle Tucker this offseason, and a trade between the New York Mets and Texas Rangers may have unlocked a new suitor. The Mets agreed to send outfielder Brandon Nimmo and the $101.25 million he is owed to the Texas Rangers in exchange for infielder Marcus Semien and the $72 million he is owed.

For a team in the Rangers, who were reportedly looking for a way to trim payroll this offseason, the trade makes very little sense. Sure, Nimmo is a capable replacement for Adolis Garcia, who was non-tendered on Friday, but if they are taking on Nimmo's contract, they added nearly $30 million in payroll commitment from where they previously were. However, as The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal mentioned, there is some short-term savings for the Rangers over the next two seasons.

On the surface, it seems that the deal is the traditional trading one aging contract for another, but for a Mets team that has never shied away from the big swing in free agency, it's fair to wonder if they may jump into the Tucker sweepstakes.

Shocking Mets' trade with Texas Rangers could make them a surprise suitor for Kyle Tucker.

Before the deal, the Mets had been mentioned as a potential suitor for Cody Bellinger. However, considering the long-term savings they will have with this deal, they could very well jump into the Tucker sweepstakes. After Juan Soto's first season in New York ended with the Mets missing the playoffs, the team appears to be operating with a sense of urgency this offseason.

Beyond the Mets, the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers have been mentioned at the top of Tucker's free agency. However, a surprise team like the Baltimore Orioles could also be looming.

Outside of the Mets being a potential suitor for Tucker, there likely isn't any other significant impact on the Cubs. However, if the Mets are looking to trim more payroll, potentially shopping starting pitcher Kodai Senga, the Cubs could get involved as they continue their search for pitching.