Kyle Tucker to the Cubs? A Secret Yamamoto Pursuit? Debunking the Wildest Offseason Rumors in MLB’s Transfer Market.vc
Chicago, October 29, 2025 – MLB’s offseason is a rumor mill on steroids, and the Chicago Cubs are its favorite fodder. Whispers of a blockbuster Yamamoto signing, Kyle Tucker’s Wrigley homecoming, and Anthony Rizzo’s “hidden hand” in Japanese recruitment have fans buzzing—but facts tell a different story. On the eve of the Cubs’ winter meetings planning, let’s sift truth from fiction in the transfer tempest. Spoiler: The Cubs aren’t landing Yamamoto (he’s locked up for $325M through 2035), Tucker’s $427M projection slams the door on a reunion, and Rizzo’s “secret role”? Pure fantasy for the retired ambassador. Jed Hoyer, take note: In a market of smoke and mirrors, the real moves are grounded in reality.
The Yamamoto Myth: Locked in LA, Not Lurking in Wrigley
The juiciest rumor? A “secret” Cubs bid for Dodgers phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with Rizzo as the clandestine closer, whispering Wrigley’s wonders to the Japanese star. Yamamoto’s 2025 heroics—2.94 ERA, 202 Ks in 180 IP, and a Game 2 World Series shutout—make him a dream arm, his splitter a Cubs rotation savior beside Shōta Imanaga. But reality check: Yamamoto’s 12-year, $325M pact (signed December 2023) binds him to LA through 2035, with opt-outs only after 2029 and 2031 tied to elbow health—no secret escape clause. The $50M signing bonus is cashed, the $10M 2025 salary paid—Yamamoto’s a Dodger for the decade.
Rizzo’s “hidden brain”? The 2016 World Series hero retired September 13, 2025, after a Yankees stint, rejoining the Cubs as an ambassador for fan events and charity. No recruiting gigs, no Yamamoto whispers—his role is ceremonial, not clandestine. Early 2023 Cubs interest in Yamamoto fizzled to the Dodgers’ favor, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Fantasy? Sure. Fact? Zilch.
Tucker’s Exit: $427M Dream Shattered, Cubs Left Scrambling
Kyle Tucker’s 2025 Cubs heroics—26 HRs, .839 OPS, 4.5 fWAR—fueled a 92-win run, but his free-agent odyssey ends the reunion. Jim Bowden’s Athletic projection: 10 years, $427M ($42.7M AAV), eclipsing Judge’s $360M and rivaling Soto’s rumored $400M. Chicago’s “best fits” omission? Brutal honesty. Hoyer’s thrift—largest deal Heyward’s $184M (2013)—can’t stretch to $427M amid a $180M 2026 payroll (Tucker’s projection alone spikes it). Tucker’s post-NLDS vagueness—“We’ll see”—echoes Boras bravado. Fans on X mourn: “Tucker for $427M? Ricketts, please—make it happen!” a thread hit 15K likes. Reality: Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Phillies, Giants circle; Cubs pivot to Jazz Chisholm trades or Teoscar Hernández signings.
Rizzo’s “Secret” Role: Retired Ambassador, Not Recruiting Rogue
The “hidden brain” twist? Rizzo, 36, retired September 13, 2025, after Yankees non-tender, rejoining Chicago as an ambassador for fan events, charity, and legacy lore. No scouting, no Yamamoto wooing—his plate is philanthropy (Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation raised $20M+ for pediatric cancer) and Wrigley walkabouts. The “Rizzo to Yamamoto” tale? Clickbait fiction; his “secret” is savoring retirement with wife Emily and son Anthony Jr.
The Truth: Cubs’ Real Winter Whispers
Hoyer’s focus? Affordable arms like Shane Bieber ($75M, 3 years) and bullpen fire like Seranthony Dominguez ($12M, 2 years) from the World Series pool. Tucker’s void? Trade for Jazz Chisholm (Marlins, 22 HRs, 35 SBs). Yamamoto? A 2023 pipe dream—Dodgers won with a $325M pact through 2035. Rizzo? Ambassador, not agent.
| Rumor | Reality | Cubs Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Yamamoto Secret Deal | Locked to Dodgers ($325M/12 yrs thru 2035) | No change; look to Bieber instead |
| Rizzo Hidden Recruiter | Retired ambassador; no scouting role | Focus on charity, not contracts |
| Tucker Reunion | $427M projection; Cubs not in “best fits” | Trade for Chisholm; sign Hernández |
Conclusion
MLB’s rumor storm is entertaining—but the Cubs’ path is pragmatic: No Yamamoto miracles, no Rizzo espionage, no Tucker homecoming. Hoyer’s winter? Bieber’s arm, Bichette’s bat, Dominguez’s heat—under $130M. Rizzo’s “secret”? Enjoying retirement. Fans, embrace the fiction-free future: Wrigley wins with wisdom, not whispers.
