The Chicago Cubs are in a position where one major priority this offseason is retaining outfielder Kyle Tucker. As an unrestricted free agent, he could land on any of the 30 teams, but there is hope that they can re-sign the star outfielder. As one of the most prized players in 2026 MLB free agency, teams are going to be interested, but there is a chance he is going to be returning to Wrigley Field for 2026. Let’s take a deeper dive into who is saying Tucker could return to the Cubbies and what he is saying.
Oct 4, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs designated hitter Kyle Tucker (30) flies out against the Milwaukee Brewers during the sixth inning of game one of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The Cubs have a backup plan if they do not keep the four-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger, but the lineup looks a lot better with him returning. While discussing reasons why major 2026 MLB free agents
“Tucker genuinely seemed to enjoy his first season with the Cubs, speaking highly of the atmosphere created behind the scenes by the veterans on a team that should be in contention for multiple seasons. And simply put, when Tucker was healthy and in the lineup, Chicago’s offense was one of the best all-around units in baseball. The Cubs have a very workmanlike approach as a group, and that also fit Tucker’s low-key personality. If the market does not generate the kind of offer the star outfielder is seeking, he knows what he has in Chicago, and it was a good thing with a solid future outlook.”
Tucker really showcased the ability to hit well in his first season as a National League player, posting a 143 OPS+ with 22 home runs and 25 stolen bases. With a potential lockout coming after the 2026 season, he could want to wait to see exactly how the market develops before he wants. There are multiple contenders who are not in the market to add an outfielder as the New York Yankees and New York Mets are looking more for Cody Bellinger than him in the early stages of free agency.
If he did enjoy his season with the Cubs as much as it seems, the possibility of a long-term extension happening this winter is there. He battled injuries in the second half of the 2025 season, which makes things tougher for the other 29 teams as they do not have the same medicals causing him to struggle in the later months. The Cubs did give away two key pieces to their minor league system to acquire him last offseason in a trade with the Houston Astros, so they have the advantage.
MLB: Chicago Cubs at Atlanta Braves Sep 8, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
It is difficult to predict a contract for Kyle Tucker at this time with all those factors, but it sounds like the Chicago Cubs are going to be big players in trying to keep him at Wrigleyville.
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