Kyle Tucker, hitting the open market after a strong season with the Chicago Cubs, instantly becomes one of the most valuable players available.
A left-handed, middle-of-the-order star with Gold Glove defense in right field simply does not reach free agency often. Now, after proving he can thrive outside Houston, Tucker is positioned for a massive long-term deal — and several clubs will be lined up to pay it.
Here are the three most realistic landing spots for Kyle Tucker, why each fit matters, and what his next contract could look like.
Top 3 Landing Spots for Kyle Tucker
1) Chicago Cubs — The Favorites to Keep Their Superstar
Why It Makes Sense
The Cubs traded for Tucker to be a franchise-changing bat, and he delivered. Chicago is firmly in its competitive window, pairing Tucker with a young core that includes Pete Crow-Armstrong, Shota Imanaga, and a wave of prospects. Losing him would be a huge step backward for a club that finally has October expectations again.
The Cubs also have the payroll space and willingness to spend on long-term position-player anchors (see: Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger). Tucker’s combination of age, production, and work ethic fits perfectly with how Jed Hoyer builds.
Projected Contract: 10 years, $325–350 million
Rationale
Chicago must outbid aggressive coastal powers to keep him. A decade-long deal with a high AAV and an opt-out after Year 5 gives Tucker security while letting him re-enter the market in his early 30s if he chooses. The Cubs have every motive to keep their biggest star.
2) New York Yankees — The Perfect Left-Handed Superstar for Their Window
Why It Makes Sense
The Yankees have needed a left-handed star for years, and Tucker is tailor-made for Yankee Stadium’s short porch. Pairing him with Aaron Judge would instantly give New York one of the best right-field/left-field combos in baseball.
The team also has major veteran contracts coming off the books soon, opening the door for a megadeal. Tucker’s blend of patience, power, and defense is exactly what Brian Cashman historically targets.
Projected Contract: 11 years, $360–390 million
Rationale
If the Yankees want him, they’ll need to beat Chicago’s offer. A longer contract with multiple opt-outs (after Year 4 and Year 6, for example) would appeal to Tucker and put New York at the front of the line.
MLB Network’s Greg Amsinger thinks the Yankees are the best fit for free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker. #KyleTucker #RepBX
Here’s a potential 2026 lineup with the addition of Tucker.
: @MLBNetwork. pic.twitter.com/hWT3GezG3z
— Yankee Source (@yankee_source) December 3, 2025
3) San Francisco Giants — Aggressive Dark Horse Finally Ready to Land a Star
Why It Makes Sense
The Giants have spent multiple offseasons chasing superstars, only to fall short: Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Carlos Correa. Tucker checks all the same boxes — age, star power, left-handed impact bat — and San Francisco once again has the money and urgency to strike.
Oracle Park isn’t perfect for pure sluggers, but Tucker’s all-fields power, line-drive ability, and elite defense make him nearly ballpark-proof. He immediately becomes the Giants’ best hitter and most marketable star.
Projected Contract: 10 years, $320–350 million
Rationale
The Giants likely need to match or beat Chicago’s total value to win. Their pitch will center on being the face of the franchise and having the financial commitment to keep building around him.
The Last Word
Kyle Tucker is one of the rare free agents whose value is close to bulletproof: elite defense, elite plate discipline, 30-HR power, durable, and entering his prime.
The Cubs remain the logical favorites to retain him after last season, but the Yankees and Giants profile as real threats willing to stretch into the $325M–$390M range.
Main Photo Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
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