The Chicago Cubs made a major splash this offseason by landing Alex Bregman, and the move wasn’t just about adding another big bat - it was about filling a void. Specifically, the kind of championship-caliber presence they were hoping to get from Kyle Tucker last year but never quite did.
Tucker, at his best, is one of the most complete offensive players in the game. That’s exactly why the Cubs traded for him last winter, hoping his winning pedigree from Houston would translate to leadership and production at Wrigley Field.
But as the 2025 season wore on, Tucker’s presence started to fade. His early-season impact was undeniable - he powered the offense and earned a National League Silver Slugger for his efforts.
For a while, it looked like the Cubs had struck gold. He was a key reason why Chicago's offseason momentum carried into a red-hot start.
Then the second half happened.
Tucker suffered a hand injury midway through the season. The Cubs reportedly encouraged him to hit the injured list, but he chose to play through it.
The result? A prolonged slump that dragged down his numbers and his impact.
Just as it seemed like he might be turning a corner in August, he went down again - this time with a calf injury that sidelined him for most of the final month. Adding to the unusual finish, Tucker sought treatment outside the Cubs’ organization, working with his own training staff instead of the team’s.
That stretch of injuries and the decisions around them likely shaped the Cubs’ thinking heading into the offseason. When it came time to make a long-term commitment, Chicago went all in on Bregman - handing him $175 million - while letting Tucker walk. The Cubs weren’t even a serious player in Tucker’s free agency this winter.
Now, Tucker has found a new home - and it’s a blockbuster. The All-Star outfielder is heading to Los Angeles, signing a massive multi-year deal with the Dodgers that reportedly pays him $60 million per year. That’s elite money, and it reflects the kind of player Tucker can be when healthy and locked in.
The Dodgers beat out the Blue Jays and Mets, who were also in the mix down the stretch. For much of the offseason, Toronto looked like the front-runner, and the Mets made a strong push. But in the end, the Dodgers landed their man, adding yet another star to a roster already stacked with talent and championship expectations.
For Cubs fans, there’s a sense of déjà vu. They saw the upside with Tucker - the first-half dominance, the potential to be a cornerstone piece.
But they also lived through the rollercoaster of injuries and inconsistency. In the end, it made sense for both sides to move on.
Tucker gets paid - and paid big. And the Dodgers?
Well, they just became even more of a juggernaut. Again.