Kyle Tucker could ditch Cubs to join AL East squad in free agency

The Chicago Cubs made a blockbuster trade in the offseason to acquire Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. However, Tucker is entering free agency soon and will have many suitors.

Signing Tucker to an extension will be extremely difficult, considering his represnetation knwos the kind of money that could be thrown at him in free agency. Tucker is a three-time All-Star, a Gold Glove Award Winner and Silver Slugger. He will be the prize of the next free agent class. The big spending teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees will certainly be in on Tucker. However, the Boston Red Sox have suddenly become an option.

The Red Sox traded the highest-paid player in franchise history, Rafael Devers, and the remainder of his $313 million deal to the San Francisco Giants. They have more money to work with now, and FanSided's Drew Koch suggested they could be in play for Tucker.

"The Chicago Cubs will do everything in their power to keep Kyle Tucker on the North Side of the Windy City, but if he hits the open market Boston should be in the discussion," wrote Koch. "Yes, the Red Sox have an abundance of outfielders on the roster, but as fans have seen, they've got no problem making trades."

Tucker is projected to earn a 12-year, $525 million deal on the open market. However, that number could reach $600 million if there is a bidding war for him. The Red Sox reportedly will save over $250 million by trading Devers. Tucker will cost them more than that, but may be worth it.

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The Red Sox would have to create room by trading two of their young outfielders to make room for Tucker, but that alone could yield them some much-needed pitching, allowing them to spend big on Tucker.

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