Kyle Tucker has quickly become one of the standout players this Major League Baseball season, delivering exceptional results for the Chicago Cubs. Despite his impressive numbers, including over 10 home runs and 10 stolen bases, an MLB insider controversially did not select Tucker as the best offseason trade. On May 29, 2025, during a segment on the MLB Network, veteran analyst Jon Heyman placed Tucker third in his list of top trades, raising eyebrows across the baseball community.
Heyman commented,
“Number three, Kyle Tucker. And the guys always say, once you play on the North side, you wanna play there for a while, which makes me curious about his future, but the present is great.”
—Jon Heyman, MLB insider
While Heyman acknowledged the strong current impact Tucker has made with the Cubs, his decision to place Tucker behind two other deals has sparked debate, especially given Tucker’s combination of offensive production and defensive prowess this season.
Kyle Tucker’s Quiet Revolution Powers the Cubs to Division Lead
Tucker’s influence extends beyond flashy statistics. The 28-year-old has maintained a .281 batting average, contributed 12 home runs, and posted a .913 OPS, showcasing a blend of power and consistency that has strengthened Chicago’s lineup. In addition to his bat, Tucker’s speed has been a factor with more than 10 stolen bases, and his Gold Glove-level defense has fortified the Cubs’ outfield.
Since being acquired from the Houston Astros last December, Tucker has transformed the core of the Cubs’ batting order. His steady production has been a key factor in the team sitting at the top of their division, combining immediate impact with potential long-term value.
In many eyes, including fans and analysts, Tucker’s combination of talents makes him a prime candidate for the title of the best trade of the offseason, yet Heyman’s ranking challenges conventional metrics like WAR as the sole indicators of player impact.
Contract Implications and the Growing Interest from the Dodgers
Beyond his on-field success, Tucker’s future status is drawing intense attention as he approaches free agency. Currently wearing a Chicago Cubs jersey, speculation is mounting about his possible move, with the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly joining the race to sign the rising star.
At age 28, Tucker is in his prime, boasting a .300 average with 17 home runs this season. His WAR exceeds 4.0, highlighting his all-around value to any team. Industry insiders estimate he is poised to command a contract around eight years and $220 million, with annual salaries potentially ranging from $27 to $30 million, reflecting his consistent offensive and defensive contributions.
The Dodgers, known for aggressively pursuing top talent, have intensified bidding competition, driving up Tucker’s market value even if they do not ultimately secure his signature. Their presence escalates contract discussions across the league, heightening the pressure on mid-market teams to respond.
Although Tucker remains with the Cubs for now, his impending free agency and the Dodgers’ interest suggest the next contract extension could reverberate throughout MLB payroll discussions for years to come.
Evaluating Kyle Tucker’s Place Among MLB’s Top Trades and Players
Tucker’s season raises important questions about how excellence is measured in baseball trades. While names like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Juan Soto often dominate headlines, Tucker’s balanced performance makes him a quietly dominant force. His playing style contrasts with flashier stars, prioritizing reliable production and defensive skill that bolster team success.
The Cubs’ rise in the standings correlates strongly with Tucker’s contributions, signaling that his acquisition was more than just beneficial—it was transformative. Yet, debates continue about where he stands compared to other offseason acquisitions, especially in analytical circles that emphasize WAR and future projections.
As teams prepare for the offseason ahead, Kyle Tucker’s value both on the field and in contract negotiations is likely to remain a central storyline. His blend of power, speed, and defense makes him a highly coveted player, and his forthcoming free agency could reshape team dynamics as franchises battle to secure his talents.