Kyle Tucker Free Agency: Could Dodgers Steal Him from the Cubs?

The Cubs’ early-season resurgence has been one of baseball’s biggest surprises, and Kyle Tucker’s arrival might be the clearest reason why.

After a fourth consecutive playoff miss in 2024, Chicago’s front office pulled the plug on the Cody Bellinger era. They traded for Kyle Tucker in the offseason, sending Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and prospect Cam Smith to the Astros. It’s a decision that’s already paying off. The 27-year-old outfielder has been electric, slashing .276/.387/.545 with 10 home runs, 32 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases through the season’s opening stretch.

Backed by Tucker’s production, Pete Crow-Armstrong’s development, and a rotation that’s held strong despite injuries to Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, the Cubs have climbed to the top of the tight National League Central.

But with Kyle Tucker set to become a free agent at the end of the season, the Cubs face a looming dilemma, and other teams are watching closely.

Kyle Tucker with the Los Angeles Dodgers?

One of those teams is the Los Angeles Dodgers.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Dodgers are already planning to throw their hat into the ring this winter if Tucker reaches free agency. “The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to jump in the free-agent fray for Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker this winter,” Nightengale reported. “They may not be the high bidder, but they’ll surely keep everyone honest just as they did when they were in the Juan Soto sweepstakes.”

The Dodgers, coming off another World Series title, spent big in the offseason, but not all of their bets have paid off. Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young winner, has made just two starts before landing on the IL. Roki Sasaki, the prized Japanese import, has battled control issues in his MLB debut. And outfielder Michael Conforto is hitting just .139 after signing a one-year, $17 million deal.

With Conforto’s Dodgers future left uncertain amid a topsy-turvy start, Tucker’s name has already emerged as a potential long-term replacement. ESPN’s Jeff Passan has projected Tucker’s next contract could approach the $500 million range, an astronomical figure, but one the Dodgers have proven willing to consider when chasing elite talent. Most importantly, Kyle Tucker would get a shot at competing for a World Series every year, something no team can promise quite like the Dodgers.

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Adding another wrinkle to the situation is the uncertainty surrounding MLB’s long-term labor outlook. With the current collective bargaining agreement set to expire after the 2025 season, teams and players alike are bracing for the possibility of a lockout. That looming disruption could drive more stars to sign extensions early, rather than test a potentially chaotic free-agent market. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., once expected to headline the 2025-26 free agent class alongside Tucker, recently signed an extension with the Blue Jays, leaving Tucker as arguably the biggest remaining name in that group. The specter of a lockout could also allow teams to negotiate slightly below-market deals amid the uncertainty, further complicating Tucker’s decision and the Cubs’ leverage.