The Chicago Cubs shook up the offseason a year ago by pulling off a major trade with the Houston Astros to bring in Kyle Tucker. Now, Tucker has reached free agency, and while he has been linked to several contenders, Chicago no longer appears to be among them. A four-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger, Gold Glove winner, and World Series champion, Tucker remains one of the most accomplished players on the market.
Although his lone season with the Cubs did not rank among his best, that fact does little to soften the cost Chicago paid to acquire him, including former first-round pick Cam Smith. Since free agency opened, Tucker’s name has surfaced frequently in connection with other teams. The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly already welcomed him to their spring training complex in Florida, while clubs such as the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers have also been mentioned as potential suitors. Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly has gone as far as predicting that Tucker will not return to Chicago next season.
Where Tucker ultimately lands remains uncertain, but many around the league believe Toronto is currently in the strongest position. The Blue Jays have the financial flexibility to make a significant offer and have shown a willingness to spend aggressively this winter. The Dodgers are also said to have interest, though reports suggest they may be hesitant to commit to a lengthy contract.
Kelly also pointed out a potential “nightmare” outcome in which Tucker’s market stalls, leading him to accept a short-term deal with opt-out clauses. In that scenario, Los Angeles could emerge as a serious contender as it pursues a historic three-peat. Still, amid all the speculation, one notable absence stands out: the Cubs. Tucker’s struggles at Wrigley Field compared to his road performance may have played a role, or it may simply be that both sides are ready to move on. Either way, the lack of momentum surrounding a reunion strongly suggests that Tucker’s time in Chicago is coming to an end.