The defining storyline of the Chicago Cubs’ offseason revolves around the free agency of superstar Kyle Tucker. With projections placing Tucker’s contract north of $350 million, he appears well beyond Chicago’s financial comfort zone. The Cubs have never handed out a free-agent deal exceeding $200 million, making it highly unlikely they would approach a figure close to $400 million. That reality means the club will need to find an alternative.
FOX Sports suggested the Cubs pursue free-agent outfielder Starling Marte, currently with the New York Mets. “One way or another, the Cubs need to add a starting-caliber outfielder if Tucker is gone, and Marte fits the bill,” the outlet wrote. The proposal envisions Chicago giving Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara a chance to handle everyday duties in right field, alongside Ian Happ and emerging star Pete Crow-Armstrong, while keeping Seiya Suzuki primarily at designated hitter. In that setup, Marte—who spent the past four seasons with the Mets—would slide into a fourth-outfielder role.
While Marte wouldn’t come close to matching Tucker’s star power, he could help fill the vacancy in the lineup. At a minimum, he would bring dependable defense and veteran leadership. The Cubs would still need to make additional moves to replace Tucker’s offensive output, potentially targeting infield bats such as Eugenio Suárez or Alex Bregman.
Overall, Marte represents a more budget-friendly option for Chicago, and the fit makes sense within the broader construction of the roster.