The MLB playoffs are near, but that also means the offseason is looming close, and it's time for front office executives to decide on what their plan will be for dealing with player transactions and the free agent market.
It's well known that the Los Angeles Dodgers like to make their presence known in free agency by opening up the checkbook to the top available players, but there is also a reciprocated feeling amongst players that Los Angeles may be the best place to win.
What big splash will LA make this Winter?
The Chicago Cubs are postseason-bound for the first time since 2020, and also have the top free agent in Kyle Tucker set to hit the open market after the season.
Earlier in the 2025 season, Kyle Tucker appeared to be headed for a potential $600 million contract, but after a slump and some small injuries, Tucker's value may have taken a dip. It's hard to see a world where he signs for under $400 million still, but this pricetag looks a whole lot better for teams like the Dodgers, who are willing to spend truckloads of money in free agency.
In a recent Bleacher Report predictions piece, Kyle Tucker is predicted to sign with the Dodgers in the offseason on a 10-year deal:
"A $500 million pay day might be doable, and that feels true regardless if he runs it back with the Cubs or finds his way out of the Windy City. Expect a strong bid from Chicago, but expect an even bigger bid from a club with a longer track record of shelling out huge money for top free agents."
"Prediction: Tucker signs a 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers."
Even with the slump and slight injury, he's still certainly going to get the richest contract this offseason, purely based on some of his accolades. He's made the all-star roster in four consecutive seasons, has a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and a career-OPS of .867.
This season, "in a down year", Tucker still has 22 home runs and 73 RBIs over 132 games.
If he performs well in the postseason for the Cubs this season, that might put him back on track for a mega contract like Juan Soto or Vladimir Guerrero Jr, but the Tucker sweepstakes will easily be the biggest storyline heading towards 2026.
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