Kyle Tucker Looms Over Cubs' Offseason Choices

The Chicago Cubs enter the offseason after a deep playoff run facing a roster crunch created by likely free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, who is projected to command a 10-year, $427 million contract. That potential price tag pressures the club to choose between a huge payroll commitment, trading for or re-signing veteran help, or letting Tucker walk. One option under discussion is trading Seiya Suzuki, who is in a contract year after a career season, to open right field/DH for top prospects Owen Caissie and Moises Ballesteros and to acquire starting-pitching help. The Cubs could alternatively prioritize internal continuity by extending cornerstone second baseman Nico Hoerner, who is entering a contract year after his best season and is valued for his defense and contact hitting. Broader market projections — including Edwin Díaz at roughly $88 million over four years and Framber Valdez at about $190 million over six years — make re-signings and acquisitions costly. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer must weigh trading veteran assets, locking up homegrown talent, or committing large free-agent dollars to preserve Chicago’s momentum.