A new Kyle Tucker contract projection slams the door on thoughts of a Cubs reunion

The offseason is yet to even begin in earnest, and we're already sounding like a broken record talking about Kyle Tucker and his anticipated market as the headliner in this winter's free agent class.

When the Chicago Cubs made a surprisingly aggressive move last winter, sending a package of players to the Houston Astros in exchange for Tucker, it was widely viewed as a rental move - and the idea he'd forgo free agency and sign an early extension with the Cubs was laughable.

That's exactly how things played out. Tucker spent the year in Chicago, earning the fourth All-Star selection of his career and, now, he's poised to cash in on, what The Athletic's Jim Bowden believes will be a massive payday - projecting the veteran outfielder for a deal of 10 years and $427 million.

The Cubs' unwillingness to spend like the major market franchise they are was not-so-subtly present in Bowden's write-up on Tucker, which headlines this winter's top 50 free agents, complete with best fits and contract projections. When listing the best fits for Tucker, who doesn't turn 30 until 2027, Chicago was notably absent.

Where will Kyle Tucker sign if he doesn't return to the Cubs?

A list of 'best fits' included the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Phillies and Giants - so if you're holding onto hope, save yourself the heartache and let go now. Tucker isn't coming back to the Cubs, barring a complete bottoming-out of his market. And, even then, there are more logical fits with teams that are willing to pony up the dollars to add a star player in free agency.

With Tucker, the Cubs won 92 games this year - but a historic hot streak by the Milwaukee Brewers relegated Craig Counsell's club to the top wild card spot come October. They pushed past the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card Series, but fell to their division rival in the NLDS, taking the series as far as it could go before dropping Game 5 at American Family Field.

Chicago has to find a way to replace Tucker's production that, despite his rough second half, still culminated in 4.5 fWAR, which ranked third on the team behind only Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner. They could go with a full-fledged youth movement, leaning heavily on Moises Ballesteros and Owen Caissie, or look to add a veteran bat. A reloaded rotation would help, but the question again looming over everything is the same as it's been for years: will the Cubs spend - or will they refuse to use their biggest advantage over division foes yet again?