The Chicago Cubs had a great season in 2025, going 92-70 and making it to the playoffs, where they lost in the NLDS in five games to the Milwaukee Brewers. Now, their superstar, Kyle Tucker, is a free agent, and the best on the market. So, they’ll have to find a replacement to keep a good thing going.
Luckily for them, Fansided’s Christopher Kline believes they’re in a prime position to get a three-time All-Star outfielder and perennial MVP candidate: San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr.
“The Chicago Cubs aren't typically keen on huge long-term commitments, but Tatis' contract feels so affordable by 2025 standards that even Jed Hoyer could get in on the action — especially with Kyle Tucker widely expected to depart as a free agent. There will be tremendous pressure to replace Tucker after such a successful season. Chicago needs to address other areas of the roster, such as the rotation, but Tucker's bat clearly moved the needle for a Cubs team that missed the postseason entirely a year ago. Whereas Tucker was a rental, Tatis is under contract through 2034. Chicago can set and forget him at the top of the lineup,” Kline wrote.
This past season, Tatis Jr. Slashed.268/.368/.446/.814, with 27 doubles, 25 home runs, 71 RBI, and 32 stolen bases in 155 games. He’s also a two-time Platinum Glove winner, meaning he’d be a huge defensive upgrade from Tucker.
Having Tatis Jr. Would be a huge upgrade from Tucker. He’s the same offensively, but he steals more bases and has one of the best gloves in the MLB. Stick him in a park like Wrigley for half the season, and he could finally get the MVP that’s evaded him.
Hopefully, the Cubs get talks started up soon; otherwise, another contender looking for an MVP candidate outfielder to take them to the next level will swoop right in and take him.
MORE MLB NEWS
Blue Jays receive positive update from MLB insider regarding Bo Bichette's free agency status