Cubs' chances of re-signing Kyle Tucker may have increased after Rafael Devers trade

The Chicago Cubs made the biggest offseason acquisition when the team traded for Kyle Tucker of the Houston Astros.

With only one year of control, the Cubs knew that trading for the best 2026 impending free agent would be a gamble.

So far, that gamble has paid off tremendously. The Cubs are currently 46-30 and have a four-and-a-half game lead for first place in the National League Central.

Tucker, 28, is having an All-Star caliber season for Chicago. Tucker has 14 home runs and 44 RBI while slashing .283/.395/.520 in 75 games. He is also 18-for-19 in stolen base attempts.

Everyone in Chicago is hoping the Cubs can convince “King Tuck” to stay, and their chances may have increased to do so.

The Rafael Devers trade from Boston to San Francisco may have eliminated two potential suitors for Tucker in free agency, according to FanSided’s Zachary Rotman.

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“The Cubs still have to fork over a ton of money if they want Tucker to remain in Chicago for the rest of his career. Several big-market teams will be very interested in signing the superstar,” wrote Rotman. “However, with the Red Sox having more outfielders than spots, and the Giants having just spent a ton of money on a big bat, two big-market teams are presumably out of the running, improving the Cubs' odds in the process.”

The Red Sox will probably still be in on Tucker just because of the talent, but the Red Sox have shown they aren’t interested in a highly expensive designated hitter.

The Giants have lots of money on the books after taking on all of the remaining money on Devers’ contract and now have their star.

Teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies are expected to be suitors for Tucker’s services but the Cubs should have a leg up on these teams.

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