The Chicago Cubs swung a huge trade in the offseason to bring Kyle Tucker to Chicago. However, Tucker will be a free agent after the season and will have many lucrative offers.
Tucker, 28, is a three-time All-Star, Gold Glove Award winner and Silver Slugger. He has 125 home runs since the start of 2021 and has been a huge part of the Cubs’ success this season. However, it will be tough for the Cubs to extend him. He and his representation likely know what type of offers he could receive on the open market.
Tucker is projected to earn a 12-year, $525 million deal in free agency. However, if there is a bidding war for him, that number could reach $600 million. FanSided’s Rich Eberwein suggested the Cubs could go after Marcell Ozuna of the Atlanta Braves if Tucker leaves Chicago in free agency.
Ozuna is in his eighth season as a big leaguer. He is a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger. He was a Gold Glover in 2022, but he provides nothing defensively at this point in his career. He is playing on a $16 million club option this season.
He will be a free agent when the year ends, and Spotrac projects him to sign a four-year, $77 million deal as a free agent. He would be an everyday designated hitter for Craig Counsell and could replace some of the offense the Cubs would lose if Tucker left.
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Ozuna is slashing .253/.381/.418 this season with 11 home runs. All 70 of his appearances have come as a designated hitter. He would be significantly cheaper than Tucker, so the Cubs would still be able to go spend and add an outfielder, potentially.
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