The Los Angeles Dodgers could be poised to land one of baseball’s most coveted free agents next winter: Kyle Tucker. The four-time All-Star outfielder, currently with the Chicago Cubs, is projected to be the highest-paid player in the 2026 free-agent class. Even with a second-half slump and a pair of minor injuries this season, Tucker has still delivered five wins above replacement and remains in the prime of his career.
Despite hitting just .242 with five home runs and 17 RBIs since the All-Star break, Tucker’s season-long performance — 22 homers, 73 RBIs, and an .854 OPS across 133 games — underscores his status as one of the game’s most complete players. Cubs manager Craig Counsell recently emphasized the team’s cautious approach to his calf tightness, noting, “We think he’ll be ready before what an injured list [stint] would cost him… we’re just taking a day-to-day track.”
Dodgers Expected To Land Cubs’ Kyle Tucker
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Still, Tucker’s looming free agency has MLB executives speculating that the Dodgers could swoop in. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, rival front offices believe the Dodgers are “the prediction where he’ll land… who badly could use outfield help.”
Los Angeles has the financial flexibility to offer a blockbuster deal. Spotrac projects Tucker could command a 12-year, $498 million contract — far beyond Chicago’s record eight-year, $184 million deal for Jason Heyward. Dodgers general management has a track record of structuring deals with deferred money to navigate luxury tax limits, making them a particularly attractive landing spot.
Other insiders, including Jon Heyman of the New York Post, suggest that while the Cubs will be in the mix, Tucker’s combination of youth, consistency, and multi-faceted skill set could price them out. Heyman notes landing spots might include the Dodgers, Giants, Red Sox, and Chicago, with Los Angeles representing the largest market and greatest payroll flexibility.
Even with a slight dip in production due to injury, Tucker’s overall profile remains elite. ESPN’s Jeff Passan emphasized, “Few players are as good at any of the three facets of the game as Tucker, let alone all three… the number is going to be big — likely in the $400 million range.”
For the Cubs, who currently sit atop the National League Wild Card standings, this looming offseason decision poses a potential long-term setback. While they acquired Tucker with championship aspirations in mind, the realities of free agency in a market like Los Angeles may prove insurmountable. For the Dodgers, filling a long-standing hole in right field with a prime All-Star could make them even more formidable as they look to defend their World Series title.