The Chicago Cubs appear to be making a choice this offseason.
Every report suggests the Cubs won't seek to bring back Kyle Tucker, who would've cost $300 million or more to retain.
It's an interesting decision given that Chicago gave up Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith to get Tucker just last offseason. But the Cubs have clearly decided they'd rather use their money elsewhere.
That'll be the key, though: Do they actually invest those dollars they aren't spending on Tucker to make their team better in a different way?
The options are out there in free agency, if the Cubs want to pay.
The Athletic's Andy McCullough thinks the best player for the Cubs to go after would be Michael King, the free agent right-handed pitcher from the San Diego Padres.
"The Cubs may well get out-bid for the services of King by a team more willing to pay top dollar for a talented pitcher who has not yet proved he can handle the rigor of a full season as a starter," McCullough writes. "But King has an elevated ceiling, perhaps the highest of any pitcher on the market, and likely won’t require a long-term deal."
King was originally with the New York Yankees before getting sent to the Padres in the Juan Soto trade.
He's got a nasty, tailing fastball and a sharp, sweeping curveball.
King missed a lot of time in 2025 with injury, but when on the mound, he's potentially dominant.
He'd certainly have the potential to make the Cubs better. And they certainly have some money available to spend on him.
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