The Chicago Cubs could have a busy offseason ahead. Kyle Tucker is hitting the open market, and if the Cubs lose him, they may need to make some moves to replace his production.
Tucker is expected to sign a lucrative contract that could reach north of $400 million in total value. If the Cubs are unwilling to go that high, the team could spend elsewhere. FanSided’s Chris Landers urged the Cubs to acquire and pay Baltimore Orioles All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman.
“The Cubs have the luxury of being just about locked in at every position on the diamond — except, that is, for catcher, where Carson Kelly started off strong before disappearing down the stretch this season,” wrote Landers. “It’s a spot crying out for an upgrade this offseason, and while the free-agent market is thin on impact names (outside a declining JT Realmuto), the trade market features one heck of a buy-low opportunity in Rutschman.”
Tucker had an .841 OPS and 22 home runs in what was considered a down year. The Cubs will have to find a way to replace that production, and the catcher position could use an upgrade. Carson Kelly posted a .761 OPS and had a solid season. However, Rutschman is a two-time All-Star and a Silver Slugger.
He had a down year this year and dealt with injuries. Additionally, the Orioles gave catcher Samuel Basallo a contract extension. After committing to an eight-year, $67 million extension with Basallo, Rutschman’s future may be in doubt. He did not have his best year, but he still has the potential to be an elite player. The Cubs could ink him to an extension while the price tag is low.
