Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker is expected to be the most prized free agent this fall. Tucker was traded to the Cubs by the Houston Astros for this season, and beyond that, he is expected to sign a contract that should give him an annual salary of around $40 million in free agency.
Several teams have been floated for Tucker's services beyond this season. Most notably, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers could make a run for the outfielder to fill their right field position with his production.
Following up on Nightengale's report, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter also predicted Tucker will be in the Dodgers' starting lineup in 2026. The Dodgers always have the money to go for a free agent superstar. Moreover, given their limited production out of right field after they moved Mookie Betts to a full-time shortstop role, the fit couldn't be more ideal.
However, for the move to happen, the Dodgers will have to shop Andy Pages or shift Tommy Edman to an infield spot. Pages is having a career year, so pulling the plug on him seems unlikely. That leaves moving Edman to an infield role.
With Hyeseong Kim's role expanding, he could get the nod to become an everyday starter at second base. So, the only remaining option is for the Dodgers to decline third baseman Max Muncy's $10 million option so that they could move Edman there and have Tucker in right field.
Why Cubs may not re-sign Tucker?
While the general expectation would be to re-sign Kyle Tucker for the Cubs but there are things they could do otherwise with the kind of money the outfielder will be asking.
The Cubs have some bright outfielders like Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcántara knocking on the door. Moreover, a team needs a starting arm. If they choose not to re-sign Tucker they could use the money on a Cy Young calibre starting pitcher next offseason.