The Chicago Cubs made a huge trade this past offseason when they swung a deal with the Houston Astros for Kyle Tucker. The superstar outfielder has been great in Chicago and has been worth the cost of Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith so far.
But the Cubs are only guaranteed the 2025 season with Tucker, as he's going to be a free agent at season's end. With palpable concern that Tucker could leave, the free agent updates surrounding Tucker are imperative for the Cubs and the fanbase.
According to a recent prediction from MLB executives, which MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today shared in a recent article, the Cubs are predicted to lose Tucker to a top National League rival in free agency.
NL Rival Predicted to Swipe Kyle Tucker From Cubs in Free Agency
"Despite Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker's struggles since the All-Star break," Nightengale writes, "hitting .242 with only five homers and 17 RBI, rival executives still believe he'll be the highest-paid player in free agency. Their prediction is where he'll land? The Dodgers, who badly could use outfield help."
If the Cubs do end up losing Tucker, it'd be a huge blow for the team, as Paredes and Smith, for one season of Tucker, barring a World Series ring, wouldn't be worth it.
Losing Tucker would be a huge loss, but to lose him to the Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the Cubs' top rivals in the National League, would make the departure of Tucker sting even more.
The Dodgers have spent a huge amount of money over the last few years, thanks to the huge deals for Yoshinobu Yammamoto, Shohei Ohtani, and Roki Sasaki, among many others.
Tucker's deal won't be cheap, potentially reaching north of $400 million total. The Dodgers, despite their already league-leading spending, could still look to sign Tucker to resolve their weak outfield.
MORE: Cubs' legend shares insights on Pete Crow-Armstrong's performance and potential
The Cubs have the money and ability to sign Tucker to a long-term deal, and if they don't, letting him go to the Dodgers, the Cubs fan base would, justifiably, be irate with the team.
Tucker has been amazing for the Cubs in 2025, hitting .270 with 22 home runs and 4.8 WAR across 489 at-bats with an. 854 OPS on the season. While he's missed some time and struggled a bit lately, he's still been a huge piece of the Cubs' success in 2025.
While the chances of Tucker departing in free agency aren't zero, this prediction from MLB executives is a concerning one. Based on how the Dodgers have spent in recent years, the Cubs might have to higher than they initially intended to keep Tucker.
But to lose a player of Tucker's caliber, especially after just one season, and considering the haul sent to the Astros to land him, it'd be a complete disaster to see him walk after just one year.
Barring a Tucker World Series MVP, his leaving after one season would be a disaster for the Cubs. This prediction from MLB executives, which Nightengale shared in early September, is something to be concerned about as the 2025 season comes to a close.
MORE MLB NEWS:
- Phillies get good news on potential Kyle Schwarber free agent market
- Phillies' Kyle Schwarber receives $35 million free agent prediction
- Guardians' Jose Ramirez on pace to join Hank Aaron in incredible MLB history
- Cardinals' outfielder's job may be in jeopardy if poor play continues
- Yankees' Aaron Judge responds to arm strength concerns after return to outfield