The Chicago Cubs have been the most fun team to watch in baseball this year, and it’s all thanks to their offense. Leading the charge is none other than Kyle Tucker, the offseason acquisition who has become the face of the franchise. But as the Cubs are enjoying this hot start, the question looms: Will they lose their star to free agency?
The Cubs’ Offensive Surge and Kyle Tucker’s Impact
When the Cubs traded for Kyle Tucker this winter, many were skeptical. Sending top prospect Cam Smith to the Houston Astros for a player in his final year of team control seemed like a risk. But Tucker has proven the doubters wrong—and then some.
This year, Tucker has been unbelievable. His power at the plate and his defense in the outfield have the Cubs at the top of the MLB standings. With 231 runs scored by the team so far, Tucker’s contributions have been a big reason why the Cubs are the most feared lineup in baseball.
But as great as Tucker has been, it’s also making him more expensive. And with free agency looming, the Cubs may not be able to keep him in Chicago.
How Much Could Tucker Command on the Open Market?
Tucker’s performance has him in line for a record breaking contract. According to sources, a deal worth $500 million isn’t out of the question. For perspective, that’s nearly three times the largest contract the Cubs have ever given out in franchise history.
Every team in baseball will likely express interest, but only a select few can really compete for Tucker’s services. One of those teams is the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team with deep pockets and willing to go all in for elite talent.
The Dodgers Enter the Fray
In his Sunday notebook, USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale dropped a bombshell:
“The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to get into the free agent fray for Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker this winter,” Nightengale wrote. “They may not be the high bidder but they’ll keep everyone honest just like they did in the Juan Soto sweepstakes.”
The Dodgers’ involvement is enough to give Cubs fans and fans of other MLB teams the heebie jeebies. If the Dodgers want Tucker, history shows they’ll do whatever it takes to get him.
For Chicago, this adds an extra layer of urgency. If the Dodgers or another big market team decides to make Tucker their top priority, the Cubs could get priced out of the bidding war.
Can the Cubs Keep Tucker?
The Cubs have a decision to make and it’s one that will shape the future of the franchise. Allowing Tucker to walk in free agency would be a huge blow especially since he’s been so key to the team’s success.
If there’s any chance to sign him long term before he hits free agency, the Cubs need to act fast. Tucker’s value is skyrocketing with each game he plays, and waiting until the offseason could be a costly mistake.
What This Means for the Cubs and the League?
Losing Tucker wouldn’t just hurt the Cubs, it would disrupt the balance of power in baseball. Adding a player of Tucker’s caliber to an already stacked Dodgers roster would be a super team unlike anything we’ve seen in recent years.
For now, Cubs fans can enjoy the ride as Tucker continues to dominate. But as the calendar gets closer to free agency, the pressure is on for the Cubs to find a way to keep their superstar in town.
