Three potential landing spots for OF Kyle Tucker

Outfielder Kyle Tucker may be the best free agent available during the 2025-26 offseason.

Tucker had a solid showing in 2025 despite a six-week slump that may have been explained by a fracture in his right hand. He posted a .266/.374/.464 batting line over 597 plate appearances, hitting 22 homers and 25 doubles while stealing 25 bases. 

Tucker had been a Gold Glove winning outfielder in 2022, but his defense has slipped since then. Nonetheless, Tucker is an impact bat that would improve any lineup. He will have a robust market, even with the qualifying offer attached. Let's take a look at three teams where Tucker could realistically sign.

Three potential landing spots for Kyle Tucker in free agency

1. Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies outfield is a significant question heading into the offseason. Designated hitter/outfielder Kyle Schwarber is also a free agent. Right fielder Nick Castellanos is likely to be traded or released during the offseason. Their outfield defense ranked 26th in the majors, costing Philadelphia 16 runs. 

While Tucker is not the defensive presence he had been in past years, he would be a drastic upgrade over Castellanos. He would improve the outfield defense while providing another dangerous bat behind first baseman Bryce Harper in the lineup. 

2. New York Yankees

The Yankees face a potential exodus of outfield talent. Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham are both free agents, although Grisham could accept the qualifying offer. Nonetheless, the Yankees are tasked for the third consecutive offseason to find an impact bat to pair with outfielder Aaron Judge.

Although Judge is also primarily a right fielder, he has been solid in center for the Yankees, saving four runs over 225 career games at the position. Tucker could also shift across the outfield in deference to Judge as he did spend time in left earlier in his career. Tucker would also be a younger option, allowing the Yankees to have both in the middle of the lineup for years to come.

3. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs paid a hefty price to bring Tucker to Chicago as infielder Isaac Paredes, outfielder Cam Smith and pitcher Hayden Wesneski were sent to Houston. Tucker did his part, helping the Cubs to their first postseason appearance since 2020. His impact went beyond his production as his consistency and professionalism was notable to other players.

Tucker, for his part, raved about the relationships he made with the Cubs, saying the team felt like family. He noted the Cubs young talent and his belief that they would be able to contend for years to come. Although that may not mean that he would return to Chicago on a significant discount, the Cubs could have an advantage due to his experience there if everything else is equal.