The Chicago Cubs seem bound to lose Kyle Tucker in free agency this winter after adding him in a huge offseason trade last offseason. The Cubs have never given out a contract worth over $200 million, and Tucker is projected to sign a massive $427 million deal, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden.
Tucker’s free agency sweepstakes is going to be the headline of the offseason. He could completely change the layout of the league depending on where he signs this winter.
Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut recently predicted Tucker would leave the Cubs and sign a massive deal with the San Francisco Giants this offseason.
“The San Francisco Giants have made a few splashes within the last year, signing Willy Adames and then acquiring Rafael Devers. However, there’s still a glaring need in the outfield for a team whose outfielders finished 20th in OPS (.701), with that mark dropping to .679 after the trade deadline,” Johnson wrote. “Our belief is that San Francisco will trade for a starting pitcher, saving its money to come out on top of a bidding war for Kyle Tucker. It’s a risk, given his durability issues, but a healthy Tucker could mean four members of the Giants lineup hitting 25-plus home runs next season.”
The Giants need to make a move like this to keep the National League West competitive with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers are also interested in Tucker, which would widen the gap between them and the rest of the league.
The Giants have the money to make a big move, but it’s unclear if they’re going to be willing to pay the same price that the Dodgers are always willing to pay.
