The biggest prize on the open market, Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker, is widely expected to land a massive contract this offseason. While the New York Yankees are mentioned as a contender, the consensus among analysts is that the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers are the best fit.
Kyle Tucker’s Market & Contract Prediction
Tucker, who turns 29 in January, is considered the top all-around free agent available after a strong final season with the Cubs, where he was acquired via trade from the Astros.
2025 Cubs Stats:.266 AVG, 22 HR, 73 RBI, 25 SB, .841 OPS, 4.6 WAR (in 136 games).
Contract Projections: Projections suggest Tucker could command a deal in the $400 million range, with specific predictions ranging from 9 years, $360 million to a staggering 10 years, $427 million.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield, however, noted some potential flags that could slightly temper the final price:
“As good as he has been, there are some Anthony Rendon vibes here: Tucker has now been injured two years in a row (he also missed much of September with a calf injury); he’s turning 29; his speed/range Statcast metrics aren’t great (26th percentile in both categories); and he’s not a ‘face of the franchise’ type of personality, which you normally expect for $400 million.”
The Dodgers as the Best Fit
The Dodgers are viewed as the most logical landing spot due to their financial capacity and glaring roster need.
Need: The Dodgers received “nothing from left field in 2025” and had a disappointing performance from the position (-2.4 WAR combined), making it the only weak spot in their powerhouse lineup.
Fit: Signing the elite, left-handed-hitting Tucker would allow the Dodgers to solidify left field (or move new acquisition Teoscar Hernández there) and address concerns about Mookie Betts’ long-term impact after his “subpar (for him) season.”
The San Francisco Giants Loom
Should the Dodgers falter in the pursuit, the division-rival San Francisco Giants are ready to pounce.
Need: The Giants have struggled to acquire an elite offensive player and desperately need a second major lefty power bat after trading for Rafael Devers last June. Giants corner outfielders hit a dismal .237/.309/.378 with only 37 home runs.
Fit: Tucker would instantly shore up right field and pair with their offensive core, including Rafael Devers and likely rookie slugger Bryce Eldridge at first base, positioning them to challenge the Dodgers in the NL West.
The Yankees Prioritize Youth Movement
Despite the free agent departures of Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham (who combined for 63 HR in 2025), the New York Yankees are unlikely to chase Tucker, signaling a clear shift toward their top prospects.
Prospect
Position
2025 Performance Summary
Outlook
Jasson Dominguez
CF/LF
Slashed .257/.333/.383 (.719 OPS) with 10 HR and 23 SB in 381 ABs during his full rookie campaign.
Expected to be the everyday center fielder alongside Aaron Judge.
Spencer Jones
OF
Demolished minor-league pitching (AA/AAA) with 35 home runs in 116 games, posting a .274 AVG and .932 OPS.
Ready for a look at the MLB level, potentially competing for the open corner outfield spot.
With Aaron Judge firmly entrenched in right field, the Yankees are expected to hand the other two outfield spots to Dominguez and Jones, preferring cost-controlled, high-upside youth over another massive veteran contract.
The Yankees are betting on the potential of Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones. Which of the two prospects do you believe is more likely to be an immediate offensive contributor for the Yankees in 2026?
