Kyle Tucker’s name is about to dominate MLB offseason conversation. The Chicago Cubs star outfielder is widely considered to be this year’s big fish on the free agent market — a true five-tool player entering his prime. With elite defense and consistent 30-home-run power, Tucker’s combination of production and age makes him one of the most coveted players available.
Which teams will be making offers in the coming weeks and months? Here are three possible destinations for Kyle Tucker this winter:
San Francisco Giants
The Giants have had a different Opening Day starter in left field in each of the last 19 seasons. That is tied for the longest such streak at any position in MLB history, on par with the 1955 Baltimore Orioles. Starting Kyle Tucker in left field would break the record, but he’d also snap the streak in the second year of a potential contract.
San Francisco makes plenty of sense, especially given their recent win-now move that brought in slugger Rafael Devers last season. But the Giants are always mentioned as a team in the mix for big free agents, and have missed out on the likes of Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and plenty of others in years past. Can general manager Buster Posey reverse course and help land this offseason’s largest prize?
Los Angeles Dodgers
If the mighty Dodgers have any kind of weakness in their lineup, it is their left field spot. So, naturally, the team that has attracted the most stars and free agents in recent years are one of the top possible destinations for Tucker. Los Angeles has shown that they aren’t afraid to add to their already astronomical payroll, and have used tricks like deferred payments to put together one of the best teams that we’ve seen in decades.
At 28-years-old, Tucker could be seen as a successor to the aging veterans on the roster. Freddie Freeman is 36 years old, Mookie Betts is 33, and Shohei Ohtani is 31. Bringing in the best available free agent in the prime of his career would be a win-now move with an eye on the future.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies could have some extra money to spend this offseason thanks to a major departure. Kyle Schwarber is a free agent, and along with Tucker is expected to be one of the major prizes on the MLB free agent market this winner. His contract coming off of the books gives Philadelphia the flexibility to spend elsewhere, and they are mentioned as major players.
Last season, Max Kepler manned left field for the Phillies, but he was on a one-year contract and is a free agent himself. If Schwarber pivots, though, and re-signs with the team, then any chance of obtaining Tucker would likely be out of the question.
