The Kyle Tucker file could stretch to 2026

Arguably the biggest fish in the sea on the free agent market, Kyle Tucker still hasn't found his next destination in Major League Baseball. So far, so good.

However, the star outfielder's case may drag on longer than usual. Really, according to ESPN's Jeff Passanwe may have to wait until 2026 to see the result.

This year's top free agent market could potentially extend into the new year. At the end of the day, no one can improve a team like Tucker, and whether it's a team in Toronto, Philadelphia or New York, Tucker will get a 10+ year contract worth over $300 million, with an even higher cap option.

There are two things to keep in mind here.

First, there appear to be four suitors to acquire Tucker's services, including the Toronto Blue Jays.

Secondly, no matter where he lands, the 28-year-old will sign a huge deal in the next few weeks, despite his momentum being slowed by injuries the last two seasons and a month-and-a-half slump in 2025.

In 136 games for the Chicago Cubs this season, Tucker posted a .266 batting average, hit 22 long balls, scored 73 runs and collected 4.6 WAR. His career OPS+ is now 140 and his WAR average over 162 games is 5.8. It's no small feat, and it's paying off.

The Cubs, for their part, won't be in the Derby after paying a lot of money to get him, only to lose him for absolutely nothing. Good management (insert sarcasm here).

This content was created using artificial intelligence.