The Chicago Cubs took a huge risk by trading for outfielder Kyle Tucker and his expiring contract last offseason. After a good year in Chicago, Tucker is headed for free agency, and the Cubs run the risk of losing him.
Chicago is expected to be one of the top teams in his free agency sweepstakes, but it won’t be the only club vying for his services.
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden recently projected Tucker to sign a 10-year, $427 million deal this offseason, listing the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees as two of the best fits for the superstar.
“Tucker’s left-handed swing would play great at Yankee Stadium and his speed would be an important added element to the Yankees lineup,” Bowden wrote. “He’d also be a great fit for the Dodgers, who could then move Teoscar Hernández to left field and improve their right field defense. Tucker won’t turn 30 until 2027, and his young age relative to the rest of this class makes him even more inviting to both clubs for the long-term as they could backload the contract to fit their budgets better with expiring contracts down the road.”
The Yankees could look to add Tucker if Cody Bellinger bolts in free agency. The Yankees seemingly like Bellinger better because he’s more affordable and a better defender, but Tucker’s bat would play very well alongside Aaron Judge in the Bronx.
The Dodgers could add Tucker out of luxury. They took a shot on Michael Conforto and missed last offseason. As a result, they could replace Conforto with one of the best outfielders in baseball.
