Kyle Tucker will be the big winner this offseason as he’s projected to sign a contract in the $400 million range. The Houston Astros stunned baseball last offseason, trading Tucker to the Chicago Cubs, where he made the fourth All-Star team of his career. He was having an MVP-type year in the first half but tailed off after the All-Star break due to injury. However, that shouldn’t hamstring him in free agency. Here are the top six suitors for Tucker this offseason.
Chicago Cubs
The trade worked out for the Cubs as they made the postseason for the first time since 2020. Tucker hit 22 home runs with an .841 OPS, 143 OPS+ and 4.5 bWAR. He will command top dollar on the open market and won’t give the Cubs any type of discount. It seems like a long shot Tucker will be roaming right field at Wrigley Field in 2026 as Cubs ownership doesn’t seem willing to shell out the money it will take to keep him.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees fell short of their World Series championship goal for the 16th consecutive season as they got bounced by the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS. Two of New York’s outfielders — Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham — are free agents. The Yankees are more conservative with their spending than in the George Steinbrenner era, but Tucker’s swing would be perfect at Yankee Stadium with the short right field porch. After Juan Soto bolted the Bronx for Queens, they could replace him with another All-Star in Tucker.
New York Mets
After signing Soto to the largest contract in sports history following a run to the NLCS in 2024, it seemed like a fait accompli that the New York Mets would be back in the postseason this year. Shockingly, that wasn’t the case. With Steve Cohen’s goal to bring a championship back to Queens, he will do whatever it takes, and signing Tucker would get them one step closer, especially if they lose Pete Alonso in free agency.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers seemingly have a star at every position, so why not one more? The Michael Conforto signing didn’t pan out, and LA has $62.5 million coming off the books, leaving an outfield spot to fill. Tucker would be another talented piece to an already dangerous lineup featuring Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Will Smith.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies need an offensive makeover after three straight disappointing October exits, and it will most likely come in their outfield. Owner John Middleton isn’t afraid to spend money, and Tucker would provide a jolt. It might even make more sense to prioritize a 28-year-old Tucker who can play the outfield over a 32-year-old Kyle Schwarber who is pretty much limited to designated hitter duties.
San Francisco Giants
Buster Posey had high hopes for the San Francisco Giants after taking over as president of baseball operations. He signed Willy Adames long term and pulled off a startling trade for Rafael Devers. But it wasn’t enough as they finished .500 and third in the National League West, while the offense ranked 19th in home runs (173) and 22nd in OPS (.697). Posey is going to want to make another splash and will have Tucker set in his sights.
