The Chicago Cubs took a big risk last winter by trading for Kyle Tucker. The risk didn’t pay off as the Cubs didn’t go far in the postseason, and Tucker sits in free agency after the season.
The Cubs have never signed a free agent to a deal worth over $200 million, which doesn’t bode well for their chances of re-signing him. Tucker is likely headed for a blockbuster contract.
Zach Mentz of Cleveland.com recently projected Tucker would sign a massive 11-year deal worth $440 million in free agency this winter. At that price, the Cubs will almost surely lose him.
“Tucker is the crown jewel of this year’s free agent class, and most predictions estimate he’ll break the $400 million mark,” Mentz wrote. “His stats took a dip at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, which is often unfriendly to hitters due to windy conditions (See: 1990 Home Run Derby). Still, Tucker is a lefty-hitting four-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner who is sure to command the largest contract of any free agent hitter by a wide margin.”
If Tucker is going to leave the Cubs because of his price tag, there will only be a few teams able to afford him. The Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers are seemingly the top three teams in his free agency sweepstakes.
The Yankees might need to replace Cody Bellinger in free agency if he bolts. Tucker could be a long-term upgrade in the outfield.
The Blue Jays need to add more talent after falling short in the World Series, while the Dodgers could replace Michael Conforto with the aforementioned Tucker. Either way, Tucker is likely going to sign with one of these three teams for the next chunk of his career.
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