The Chicago Cubs had a fantastic season in 2025, finishing 92-70 and qualifying for the playoffs, where they fell to the Milwaukee Brewers in five games in the NLDS. Kyle Tucker, their star player, is currently a free agent and the best available. Therefore, in order to maintain a positive situation, they will need to find a replacement.
Fortunately for them, Fansided’s Christopher Kline thinks they have a good chance of acquiring San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr., a three-time All-Star and consistent MVP contender.
“The Chicago Cubs aren’t usually interested in large long-term commitments, but Tatis’ contract seems so reasonable by 2025 standards that even Jed Hoyer could participate—especially since it’s widely anticipated that Kyle Tucker will leave as a free agent.” After such a successful season, there will be a lot of pressure to replace Tucker. Tucker’s bat obviously made a difference for a Cubs team that didn’t make it to the postseason a year ago, but Chicago still needs to improve other parts of the roster, like the rotation. Tatis has a contract through 2034, but Tucker was a rental. Kline observed, “Chicago can set and forget him at the top of the lineup.”
Tatis Jr. finished the previous season with a slash of.268/.368/.446/.814, 27 doubles, 25 home runs, 71 RBI, and 32 stolen bases in 155 games. He would be a significant defensive improvement over Tucker because he has also won two Platinum Gloves.
Tatis Jr. would be a significant improvement over Tucker. Offensively, he is the same, but he has one of the best hands in the MLB and steals more bases. He might finally win the MVP award that has eluded him if he spends half the season at a park like Wrigley.
If the Cubs don’t start discussions immediately, another team searching for an MVP-caliber outfielder to help them advance will jump right in and sign him.