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Cubs Facing Troubling Development After Kyle Tucker News on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 18, 2025 9:55 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs fell one game short of reaching the NLCS, but 2025 marked a step in the right direction for the organization. Chicago returned to the postseason for the first time since 2020, advancing past the NL Wild Card round before falling in the NLDS to the NL Central rival Milwaukee Brewers.

A major reason for Chicago’s offensive success this season was Kyle Tucker, who the organization acquired from the Houston Astros last offseason. Tucker entered the year with just one season remaining before unrestricted free agency, and the Cubs were unable to reach an extension with him during the regular season, making him a free agent once the World Series ends.

The 28-year-old left-handed slugger had another strong campaign in his eighth MLB season, earning his fourth consecutive All-Star selection and posting a .266 batting average, .377 on-base percentage, .841 OPS, 25 stolen bases, 22 home runs and 73 RBIs. Tucker has consistently been a force at the plate and on the bases throughout his career.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker (30)© David Banks-Imagn Images

Chicago has made it clear it intends to bring Tucker back on a long-term deal, a point emphasized by president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer during his end-of-season press conference.

“Everyone can use a guy like Kyle Tucker," Hoyer said when asked about potentially re-signing Tucker and engaging with his agent (via Marquee Sports Network). "Everyone gets better by having a player like that. We will certainly be having those conversations."

However, the Cubs are not alone in their pursuit.

Los Angeles Dodgers to Pursue Kyle Tucker in MLB Free Agency

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to target Tucker in free agency. Heyman notes that Los Angeles missed out on Juan Soto last offseason and still has money to spend.

“While their payroll is already an MLB-record $400M, they did try for last year’s No. 1 free agent, Juan Soto, with an offer of about $600M (with deferrals, of course) before bowing out and finishing fifth among five finalists in the biggest free agent derby ever,” Heyman reported on Saturday.

He added, “the Dodgers could install Tucker in right field and move Teoscar Hernandez to left, giving them a potentially productive outfield to go along with the game’s most star-studded infield.”

https://t.co/VHsBgHsHmk Dodgers expected to pursue Kyle Tucker: 1. They like him 2. OF is the least of their strengths 3. Presumably they have $ left after pursuing Soto 4. Of course they do.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 18, 2025

The Dodgers have long been aggressive in free agency and in acquiring star talent, which makes their interest in Tucker a troubling development for Chicago. Not only does LA have massive appeal as the league's premier organization, but the Dodgers' financial resources are seemingly endless, making them a nightmare for any team to compete with in a bidding war.

This report comes just days after ESPN's Bradford Doolittle said his "hunch" is that Tucker will depart in free agency, citing Chicago's recent tendency for "not going all the way to the top" when offering contracts.

The Cubs gave up several controllable assets to acquire Tucker from Houston, including All-Star infielder Isaac Paredes. Losing Tucker just one year later would be a massive blow and a major disappointment, leaving a significant hole in the middle of Chicago’s lineup.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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