It's tough to gauge what the Chicago Cubs might do with outfielder Kyle Tucker. A smart team would go out and give Tucker all of the money he wants, but it's also fair to suggest that he might not be worth $500 million if this injury is going to linger for the foreseeable future.
The last thing the Cubs want to do is give Tucker a massive contract just to have him be injured for a few of those years. Every year counts when an AAV is getting close to $50 million. The Cubs also have to factor in the chance of other teams being interested in Tucker.
Will Yankees Pursue Kyle Tucker This Offseason?
Many expect the New York Yankees to get in the mix, including Tim Kelley of Bleacher Report, who noted that if the Yankees don't want to bring Cody Bellinger back, it could be a signal that they want Tucker.
“Bellinger is expected to opt out of the final $25 million he's scheduled to make in 2026, the final year of a three-year, $80 million deal. He may be looking at another similar deal in terms of length, but he only just turned 30 and won't have a qualifying offer attached to him.
“So, the Yankees should be motivated to retain Bellinger, unless they have a bigger play—such as Kyle Tucker—in mind,” he wrote.
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If the Yankees are interested in Tucker, it’s safe to say that Tucker may also be interested in them.
While there’s some history there because of the Houston Astros' rivalry, playing in New York City has to entice him, even if it's just a bit.