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The Chicago Cubs took a risk by trading for Kyle Tucker last offseason. He was very good in Chicago this year, but the Cubs traded two talented young players for a rental. Now Tucker is headed for free agency, and he could leave Chicago with nothing to show for it. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden recently listed the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants as three of the top suitors in the Tucker sweepstakes. Bowden also projected Tucker would sign a massive 10-year deal worth $427 million in free agency. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 10: Kyle Tucker #30 of the Chicago Cubs hits an RBI single in the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on June 10, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) “Despite a season that was marred by injury and inconsistent performance, Tucker is expected to be the highest paid free agent in this year’s class, with most analysts believing he will get between $400 million and $500 million based on the recent contracts given to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($500 million; Blue Jays) and Juan Soto ($765 million; Mets),” Bowden wrote. “Even in a season that saw Tucker dealing with multiple injuries, he was able to impact the game in all areas thanks to his hit tool, power, defense, arm and speed. “In 136 games for the Cubs, he hit .266/.377/.464 with 22 homers, 25 stolen bases and a near 1:1 walk-to-strikeout ratio (87 walks and 88 strikeouts). Teams view him as a complete player who will be a threat to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases every season.” The Giants need to do anything they can to keep pace with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Signing Tucker to a mega-contract would fit the bill. The Phillies have been desperate for an outfielder for years. If they whiff on Kyle Schwarber, they’re likely going to be aggressive at all the other top free agents, including Tucker. The Mets are a potential suitor for any free agent in baseball because they have more money than they know what to do with. It would be shocking to see the Mets spend over $400 million on a free agent this winter after spending nearly $800 million on Juan Soto last offseason, but it’s not impossible. More MLB: Blue Jays Star Projected To Sign 3-Year, $75M Deal After World Series
