The Chicago Cubs made a huge move to trade for Kyle Tucker in the offseason. He started off the season looking like an MVP candidate, poised to sign a blockbuster deal this winter.
However, a hand injury and a poor second half have perhaps cost him some money. The Cubs are reportedly not going to bring him back. Despite a down year, he still figures to be one of the biggest names on the open market. He is a four-time All-Star, and his bat clearly did not play well at Wrigley Field.
With many teams in need of outfielders, Tucker is a superstar ready to make an impact for a new team. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller predicted that the team would be the San Francisco Giants.
Buster Posey has become one of the most aggressive decision-makers in baseball. He inked Matt Chapman to a lucrative extension, spent big to land Willy Adames and traded for Rafael Devers. He is also interested in winning fast, as his team decided to make a change at manager after a disappointing year.
Tucker has 134 home runs since 2021. He had 23 home runs in 78 games last season. However, he had just 22 home runs this year. Whether it was the injury playing a role or not, he did not look like himself, especially at home. At Wrigley Field this year, he slashed .236/.353/.395. On the road, he hit 15 of his home runs and slashed .292/.399/.524.
Perhaps Wrigley Field is not the place Tucker needs to spend the majority of his career. He figures to land a long-term deal, becoming one of the highest-paid players in the sport. The Giants could use him and become contenders overnight with their star-studded roster.
Oracle Park may not do his home run numbers any good, but he could still make an impact. The Giants have the other pieces they need, but Tucker could be the type of superstar they have whiffed on in the past.
More MLB: Phillies Predicted to Poach Cubs’ $401M Superstar in Free Agency
