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Cubs Manager Drops Huge Kyle Tucker Postseason Plan After Team Announces Sad Cade Horton News

Originally posted on EssentiallySports
By Supradeep Dutta | Last updated Sep 27, 2025 9:52 PM ET

The Cubs’ postseason preparation has various storylines emerging — some hopeful, some devastating. Casting a dark shadow over their October outlook is Cade Horton’s rib fracture, owing to which the right-hander star was placed on the 15-day injured list on September 28. What is more, he will not pitch in the upcoming Wild Card series. While that’s quite a setback and the team recognizes that, Craig Counsell now has a vital revelation related to Kyle Tucker’s postseason role.

Though Cade Horton’s situation was rather drastic, he is expected to return for Game 5 of the NLDS. And even Counsell is showing confidence in his gradual recovery. If anything, his return is absolutely crucial, as reflected in his regular-season data. He finished with an elite 11-4 record with a 2.67 ERA, and has pitched 118 innings across 23 games. This has squarely placed him in the NL Rookie of the Year debate.

Now, amid such a setback, the Cubs finally have some good news related to Kyle Tucker after a long period of uncertainty. Bruce Levine posted on X: “Counsell said Kyle Tucker could play the outfield in the wild card series if he keeps progressing with his mobility. Miguel Amaya rejoins the team Monday for workout. Determination on his roster spot would come after that.”

The team activated the All-Star outfielder from the 10-day injured list on Friday, which ended a three-week absence because of a strained left calf. Kyle Tucker quickly returned to the lineup as the designated hitter and batted cleanup against the Cardinals in a vital series to secure a playoff place. In Tucker’s first season with the Cubs, the 28-year-old has provided elite production, where he batted .270 with an .854 OPS, 22 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 25 stolen bases in 133 games. However, he did not come with a free pass because, to make room for Tucker on the roster, veteran infielder Carlos Santana was optioned to the Diamondbacks.

Counsell said Kyle Tucker could play the outfield in the wild card series if he keeps progressing with his mobility. Miguel Amaya rejoins the team Monday for workout. Determination on his roster spot would come after that.

— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) September 27, 2025

While the Cubs are busy reshaping their postseason approaches around Tucker’s recovery and Horton’s absence, the buzz off the field is getting louder. One vital contender has already set its sights on him, and the offseason chess match could have just begun.

Dodgers eye blockbuster 10-year deal as Kyle Tucker looms as top free agent target

The Los Angeles Dodgers are predicted to be aggressive in their search for outfielder help this winter, and Kyle Tucker is at the top of their wish list. As per reports, the Dodgers’ corner outfield has been a weak link both defensively and offensively this season, with Teoscar Hernandez struggling in the field and Michael Conforto failing to find consistency at the plate. While Andy Pages has outshone in the center, LA requires a bedrock corner outfielder for sure.

The Cubs ace has been a regular All-Star and remains at the height of his power, providing elite two-way value. His power, base-running capability, and defensive skills fit seamlessly in the Dodgers’ long-term roster blueprint. According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, a 10-year deal worth up to $500 million could be in play, with both Chicago and Los Angeles anticipated to be key bidders. Buckley forecasts that the Dodgers will finally win the battle, pointing to their financial capability and recent history of bold free-agent acquisitions.

LA’s president, Andrew Friedman, has unhesitatingly spent huge to maintain a championship sprint, and if the Dodgers protect their title this October, the scope to sign Tucker will magnify further. His acquisition will give the LA an undeniable core for years, probably changing the poise of power in the National League.

However, Tucker has been a vital piece in Chicago’s resurgence, and the aforementioned stats in his debut season for the franchise vouch for that. Losing him in free agency, particularly to a franchise like the Dodgers, which is a direct competitor in the postseason, will be a huge setback. The front office is anticipated to make a solid counter bet, but the financial situation of LA poses a serious threat.

This article first appeared on EssentiallySports and was syndicated with permission.

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