The Chicago Cubs made a significant gamble last winter by trading for outfielder Kyle Tucker, but this move has not yielded the desired postseason success, as the team fell short of advancing in the playoffs. Now, Tucker finds himself in free agency, and the Cubs face a daunting challenge in retaining him due to the financial implications of his upcoming contract.
Historically, the Cubs have never committed over $200 million to a free agent, a statistic that casts doubt on their chances of keeping Tucker, who is poised to secure a lucrative deal. Recent projections from Zach Mentz of Cleveland.com indicate that Tucker could command an impressive 11-year contract worth $440 million in the upcoming free agency market. Given this high price tag, the Cubs are likely to lose their star player.
Mentz notes that Tucker stands out as the top free agent this year, with forecasts suggesting he may surpass the $400 million threshold. Despite experiencing a decline in his statistics while playing in the challenging hitting environment of Chicago’s Wrigley Field, Tucker’s credentials as a left-handed four-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner position him for a historic contract in the free-agent landscape.
If the Cubs cannot match Tucker’s financial demands, they will contend with a handful of teams eager to secure his talents. The Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as frontrunners in the bid for Tucker. The Yankees may be motivated to pursue him if Cody Bellinger departs, while the Blue Jays are looking to bolster their roster following a disappointing performance in the World Series. Meanwhile, the Dodgers could see Tucker as a suitable replacement for Michael Conforto.
As this free agency period unfolds, Tucker’s journey appears poised to take him to one of these prominent franchises, marking the next chapter in his promising career. The Cubs’ decision to acquire him may not have yielded immediate results, but this move has set the stage for intriguing developments as Tucker looks for a new home.