3 free agents Cubs can target next offseason with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. off the board

If you're Kyle Tucker, seeing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. secure a 14-year, $500 million deal from the Toronto Blue Jays is a big win. The three-time All-Star outfielder is set to hit free agency at season's end and a strong platform season could set him up for one of the richest contracts in MLB history.

It's not apples-to-apples. Guerrero Jr. brings his value offensively, while Tucker is a more complete all-around player - a Gold Glove-winning right fielder and plus baserunner. But Guerrero Jr. is just under two years younger than Tucker, an important factor when talking about deals that span more than a decade.

So if you were holding out hope the Chicago Cubs had their eye on Vladdy, think again. With the slugging first baseman off the board, here are three big-ticket names the front office should do their homework on this winter.

1. Kyle Tucker

Let's just start with the obvious. In the first week-plus with his new team, Tucker has shown Cubs fans just why Jed Hoyer was comfortable coming off one of the organization's fastest-rising prospects in Cam Smith this winter.

It's not even mid-April and, already, Tucker has been worth 1.0 bWAR. His 233 OPS+ and 1.202 OPS lead all National League hitters and his presence alone has changed how this Cubs lineup looks and feels. Working through a horrendous start of the season schedule-wise, Chicago welcomes the Rangers to town two games above .500 - a promising sign.

That being said, fans can't seem to fully enjoy what Tucker and the Cubs have done since returning to Japan. Two heartbreaking Sunday losses aside, the knowledge that he'll hit the open market at year's end continues to hang over everything. With ownership pinching pennies and playing their margins game, is there any chance he's back in Wrigleyville in 2026?

2. Ryan Helsley

The leadoff walk did him and the Cubs no favors, but Ryan Pressly isn't the primary culprit in the team's late-inning loss on Sunday against the San Diego Padres. Still, he was saddled with the loss and is yet to turn in a clean inning (no hits or walks) this season - not exactly the shutdown showing you're looking for from your closer.

This winter's free agent class is absolutely loaded with late-inning arms, including Devin Williams, Raisel Iglesias and flamethrowing right-hander Ryan Helsley. Given the Cubs' track record on relievers, I doubt they're ready to set the high-water mark for a free-agent closer with Williams, but could set their sights on Helsley, who has quickly established himself as one of the game's premier ninth-inning arms.

Set to turn 31 in July, Helsley has posted a 1.83 ERA in 152 appearances over the last three seasons, earning a pair of All-Star nods in the process. He led the league in games finished (62) and saves (49) in 2024 and would give the Cubs that badly-needed door-slammer at the back of the pen. Given his shorter track record of success, he won't command the same level of investment as Williams (still - he won't come cheap) - and could be a big pick-up this offseason.

3. Dylan Cease

With the Padres reportedly dealing with payroll concerns all winter, there was rampant speculation San Diego could move either Michael King or Dylan Cease in efforts to shed payroll. That proved not to be the case, with both right-handers starting the year on the Opening Day roster - but both are free agents at season's end.

Technically, King has a mutual option for '26, but if he pitches well, he'll almost certainly test free agency alongside his rotation mate. As for Cease, the 29-year-old is, hands down, the top starting pitcher set to hit the open market. With a pair of top-5 Cy Young finishes in the last four years and a track record of effectiveness and durability, a reunion with their former prospect would bolster a Cubs' staff that lacks a lot of swing-and-miss.

Slotting him into the rotation alongside Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele on a long-term deal would give Chicago a formidable trio heading into 2026 and a stable rotation outlook for years to come.