The Chicago Cubs have long had their eye on Kyle Tucker, but another team has emerged as a potential frontrunner to sign the 28-year-old outfielder. Tucker signed a one-year, $15.5 million deal with Chicago in the offseason after a seven-year tenure in Houston. The former Astro could land on his third team in as many seasons—this time, on the opposite coast.
Los Angeles Dodgers Are Interested in Kyle Tucker
After being traded from Houston, Chicago was high on Tucker—and for good reason. He hit .284 and .289 in his last two seasons, driving in more than 100 RBIs in both 2022 and 2023. He stole 55 combined bases during those years and posted an OPS near 1.000 in 2024. His slugging percentage has consistently stayed in the .500s, peaking at .585 last season.
With baseball contracts often reaching astronomical heights, it’s hard to know which teams are serious contenders. But whenever the Dodgers are involved, all bets are off. The Cubs are cruising through the NL Central in 2025, but the Dodgers remain the reigning World Series champions.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Los Angeles has its eye on Tucker. “The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to jump into the free-agent fray for Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker this winter. 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.”
If there’s any front office known for getting who they want, it’s the Dodgers. L.A. has routinely signed star players to massive contracts—often with creative structures, including deferred payments that stretch over 10 or more years. It’s not for everyone, but the money is guaranteed at the end of the day.
Tucker’s value is off the charts, and the fact that a team like the Dodgers—already stacked with elite talent—is interested says plenty. Hitting .276 so far in 2025, Tucker has 10 home runs and 32 RBIs. The speedy lefty also has two triples, 10 stolen bases and has walked (29) more times than he’s struck out (22)—a rare and impressive feat.
With several of his stats ranking among the league’s best, it’s no surprise that Tucker’s market value is projected to soar. His strikeout rate (11.8%) ranks in the top seven percent in MLB, while his walk rate (15.6%) is in the top six percent. He’s also in the top four percent of the league in both expected slugging percentage (.599 xSLG) and expected weighted on-base average (.423 xwOBA).
Tucker is projected to command a deal in the $400 million range. This offseason will be critical to both his future and the Cubs’. If Chicago lets the Dodgers swoop in and grab another mega-star without a fight, it won’t reflect well on a team poised to win its division and make a deep 2025 postseason run.