Kyle Tucker hit 22 home runs with 73 RBI and an .841 OPS in what could prove to be his lone season with the Cubs.
That might feel relatively disappointing for his contract year, but there’s context. First of all, he struck out just 88 times, while drawing 87 walks. He also sustained a hairline fracture in his right hand in mid-June that he played though, likely limiting his production.
The question teams will have to ask themselves is how the feel Tucker is going to hold up physically. Ahead of his age-29 season, Tucker is likely to seek a contract of a decade, or thereabouts, in length. In 2025, he not only dealt with the hairline fracture in his hand, but also spent time on the injured list with a left calf strain in September. A right shin contusion—admittedly, one that was poorly managed by the Astros—limited him to 78 games in 2024. Were those injuries just one-off things, or are there durability concerns with Tucker?
At his best, Tucker is one of the most well-rounded players in the sport, just as capable as winning a game with his defense in right field as hitting a go-ahead three-run home run. He is, without a doubt, the top free agent available this offseason, hitter or otherwise.