May 25, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detailed view of a Philadelphia Phillies hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Phillies Named Top Destination For $400 Million MVP Candidate, Top Free Agent Bat

Originally posted on Philadelphia Phillies on SI
By Ian Harper | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 12:00 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies' offense is once again a premier talking point among fans and analysts alike, as another underperforming October has the club looking to reportedly shake things up.

With owner John Middleton a stickler for signing big checks to bring a World Series championship back to Philadelphia, it might be time for President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski to make a substantial move to change the vibe of the franchise.

The top-end of the free agent market, while noticeably thin in quantity, has a few incredibly high-quality bats that could instantly rejuvenize the hopes of an increasingly dejected Phillies fanbase. Arguably the best option available has been discussed by fans as a good match for Philadelphia, and Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter agreed in a piece he published early Monday morning.

Phillies Named Fit For Kyle Tucker in Free Agency

Reuter ranked the Top-10 suitors for four-time All-Star, MVP candidate, and Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker, and the Phillies landed all the way at #2 on his list.

He emphasized that the team's top priority is likely to be bringing back slugger and 2025 National League home run leader Kyle Schwarber, but Tucker could very quickly work his way into their offseason plans.

"If Schwarber gets away, or they decide to open up the payroll even further, Tucker would be a great fit on a veteran roster built to contend right now," Reuter said. "The outfield has been a revolving door of sorts in recent years, and even if they make a push to re-sign Harrison Bader who was excellent after he was acquired from the Twins at the trade deadline, [the Phillies] could still use another outfielder."

Of the 10 teams listed, only the Phillies' NLDS opponent Los Angeles Dodgers, were ranked above them, emphasizing the increasing level of desperation in Philadelphia for a championship title.

Tucker Could Usher In New Era of Phillies Baseball

Entering free agency at just 28 years old (beginning the 2026 season at 29), Tucker has already accumulated over 27 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference's Formula. He has been one of MLB's most feared hitters for a handful of years now, and, despite a rough second-half performance for the Cubs, is in line to receive a deserved mega contract.

Kyle Tucker with the Cubs this year:

22 HR
73 RBI
91 Runs
25 SB
.266/.377/.464

Enters free agency this winter. pic.twitter.com/TnKKP84pim
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) October 12, 2025

Spotrac's market value formula has him projected to receive a 10-year, $401 million contract this offseason, a hefty price to pay. However, the Phillies' core has proven that, as of now, they are unable to finish the job and get over the final hump. With an organizational overhaul expected in the near future, spending a pretty penny on a young, foundational piece is far from an ill-advised decision on paper.

Tucker is, barring a major surprise, set to receive the largest contract of any free agent in the 2026 class. He is by far the most prestigious offensive player available, considering his combination of youth and accolades. His presence in the middle of the Phillies' lineup could give the club a much-needed spark, vastly improving both the offensive and defensive production in the roster's most incomplete area.