Just when the North Side faithful thought they’d found their franchise cornerstone, the baseball gods whispered otherwise. In an offseason already packed with eyebrow-raising headlines and Monopoly-money deals, the latest twist could make even the most optimistic Cubs fan spit out their deep dish. A new rumor has surfaced, and yes, it involves a certain Gold Glove outfielder—Kyle Tucker—whose name just won’t stay off the marquee.
The Chicago Cubs might have made a misstep in their deal with Tucker. The Cubs signed him for $16.5 million, but it’s only for one year. Now, MLB insider Buster Olney believes this could come back to haunt the Cubs.
In the recent Baseball Tonight Podcast, Buster Olney revealed the clubs that might be lined up for Tucker in the offseason. Olney said, “I am thinking he is going to get something in the $450-$500 million range from somebody. The bidding will involve the Cubs, the Yankees are gonna be involved.”
Olney didn’t say this for the sake of it. He backed it up with some news he got from his friend Hembo. Olney went on to say that his friend Hembo was told that the New York Yankees are the most likely team to land Tucker, and if they do, it won’t be a surprise.
With the contract of Giancarlo Stanton up in 2027, Tucker might be a very good replacement. Stanton has not been very fit in the past few years and has suffered some injuries. This might be a sign to replace him before it’s too late.
Tucker did suffer a major injury last season and could only feature in 78 games. But he still managed nearly identical stats to Stanton, who played a full 114 games. Tucker has also had a very good start to the 2025 season, where he is averaging at .3.17 with 5 HRs and 16 RBIs. If the Cubs want to keep him for next season, they better get ready. It is going to be a scrap fight to get Tucker.
If that’s not a wake-up call for the Cubs’ front office, someone better set off the Wrigleyville sirens. Letting Tucker hit the open market with a $500 million price tag dangling around his neck is like leaving a Ferrari unlocked in the Bronx. The Yankees smell blood—and money. If the Cubs blink now, they’ll be watching Tucker hit moonshots in pinstripes while nursing another “what-could-have-been” October.
If not Kyle Tucker, then who for the Chicago Cubs
The Cubs’ front office may soon face the reality of missing out on one of the biggest outfield names in the game. If Tucker slips through their fingers, they’ll need to pivot quickly. While they’re unlikely to land another player with his exact profile, there are still a few viable options. The menu features players with the potential to add serious firepower to Wrigley’s outfield.
First on the menu for the Cubs is Cody Bellinger, who continues to perform at a high level. Being a former MVP with the Cubs, Bellinger might fancy another shot at glory with his former team. He does have an opt-out clause in 2026, so the question is if the Cubs can lure him back to the den. But he is not the only name on the list.
There is Joc Pederson, whose contract ends in 2026. Pederson signed with the Rangers in 2024 and has had a solid performance. He played 132 games and finished the season with 23 HRs and 64 RBIs. He might not have the same numbers as Tucker, but Pederson brings his own experience to the Cubs dugout.
The Cubs can also go for Teoscar Hernandez after his contract with the Dodgers ends in 2027. His time with the LA Dodgers has gone very well, and the World Series title proves this. His start to the 2025 season has been very good, batting .281 with 5 home runs. He also has 16 RBIs, showing strong early-season performance and offensive consistency.
So, if Tucker isn’t in the cards, the Cubs’ front office will need to turn heads to these alternatives. While none of these players may bring the same all-around impact as Tucker, the likes of Bellinger, Pederson, and Hernández offer the Cubs a chance to remain competitive—albeit without the fireworks. The question is, will they make the move, or will they be left watching from the sidelines as their rivals snag the next big star?
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