The Chicago Cubs went all-in on the 2025 season, trading for Kyle Tucker in the final year of his contract in a bold push to return to contention. The move worked — to a point. Chicago reached the postseason for the first time in five years, only to fall short of a deeper run, losing to the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series.
Now, with Tucker entering free agency, the Cubs face an uncertain winter. According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Chicago hopes to re-sign the All-Star right fielder, but they’ll face steep competition from two big-spending franchises: the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees.
A Season of Two Halves
Tucker’s time in Chicago started brilliantly. The Gold Glove outfielder slashed .291/.395/.537 with 17 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 61 runs through his first 83 games. His early dominance earned him a fourth career All-Star selection and helped the Cubs surge to a 2.5-game lead in the NL Central by midseason.
At that point, Tucker looked poised to secure a deal in the range of $600 million, an eye-popping number even in the modern free-agent market.
But the second half told a different story. Tucker battled a hairline fracture in his hand and later a calf strain that sent him to the injured list for 21 games in September. The injuries sapped his production — he hit just .225 with a .690 OPS, five homers, and 21 RBIs over his final 53 games.
In the postseason, his struggles continued. Tucker managed only one extra-base hit and one RBI across eight games as the Cubs’ offense faltered in key moments.
Still, even with the late-season downturn, the 28-year-old finished with a 143 OPS+ and 4.5 WAR, reaffirming his value as one of the league’s premier two-way players when healthy.
Free-Agency Showdown Looms
The Dodgers and Yankees are widely expected to headline Tucker’s market.
Los Angeles, per Feinsand, could pursue a long-term deal to solidify its corner outfield depth, sliding Teoscar Hernández from right to left field if Tucker joins the roster. The Dodgers’ track record of aggressive spending — and their clear need for another middle-order bat — make them a natural fit.
Meanwhile, the Yankees are also in the mix, facing the potential loss of Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, or both. Tucker’s left-handed power swing would play perfectly in Yankee Stadium, and the club has both the payroll flexibility and urgency to make a major splash after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
Chicago’s Dilemma
The Cubs’ front office remains optimistic but realistic. After a playoff return built on chemistry and homegrown talent, losing Tucker could leave a major void in both the lineup and the clubhouse.
For now, Tucker stands as the top free agent in baseball — and the centerpiece of an offseason bidding war that will test the Cubs’ willingness to spend like a contender.
As one NL executive put it, “Healthy, he’s a top-five player in the league. Everyone knows what Kyle Tucker can do. The question is — who’s ready to pay for it?”
