The Chicago Cubs have the biggest fish in MLB free agency, but the latest rumors indicate this could be both a blessing and a curse. An expensive market appears to be forming for Kyle Tucker, prompting a difficult decision as the Cubs attempt to retain the star.
New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported that the Cubs are unlikely to re-sign Tucker given his new contract is expected to exceed $400 million.
“The Cubs aren’t likely to retain Tucker,” Heyman wrote in a November 12, 2025, story titled, “Title-hungry Blue Jays could put themselves in the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes.” “The top free agent should get somewhere in the $400M neighborhood, and that’s probably beyond the Cubs’ budget.
“The Cubs were surprisingly pleased with Matt Shaw’s defense, so they aren’t necessarily looking to replace him. Their main targets are likely pitchers.”
Here’s what you need to know about Tucker’s future with the Cubs and the latest MLB rumors.
Cubs Rumors: The Blue Jays Are the Early Favorites to Land Kyle Tucker in MLB Free Agency
Tucker played on a one-year, $16.5 million contract with the Cubs in 2025 and is headed for a lucrative pay day. Spotrac projects Tucker’s market value to be a 10-year, $401 million deal.
The latest betting odds tab the Toronto Blue Jays as the slight favorite to land Tucker at +300, per BetOnline. Heyman reported that Toronto is emerging as a threat to poach Tucker following the team’s World Series run.
“The Blue Jays are expected to be big players on the markets this offseason,” Heyman noted. “And that has nothing to do with their heartbreaking World Series.
“They just want to win. Despite a strong OF group, the Jays are viewed as a possible pursuer of Kyle Tucker.”
The Cubs Met With Kyle Tucker’s Agent as the Dodgers, Yankees & Blue Jays Loom as Top Contenders
In addition to the Blue Jays, the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees also loom as potential threats to steal Tucker away from the Cubs, at least according to MLB general managers. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that these are the three favorites to land Tucker, per MLB GMs.
The Cubs met with Tucker’s agent on November 12, during the MLB meetings in Las Vegas, but fans should not necessarily take this as a good sign. Tucker’s eventual price point is expected to go beyond what Chicago is willing to pay, per The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney.
“Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer met with Tucker’s agent, Casey Close of Excel Sports Management, at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Wednesday, where team officials, league executives and player representatives filtered throughout the hotel and casino,” Mooney detailed in a November 13, story titled, “Cubs meet with Kyle Tucker’s agent, but also appear ready to move on with post-Tucker plans.”
“… Still, all signs keep pointing toward Tucker being a one-and-done player at Wrigley Field. The Cubs’ conservative business/baseball model has never executed a player contract larger than Jason Heyward’s eight-year, $184 million deal, which was negotiated by Excel and signed a decade ago.”
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