Bleacher Report’s Cubs free agent pick just doesn’t pass the eye test

The overwhelming expectation is that the Chicago Cubs won't be a serious bidder for Kyle Tucker this offseason, which leads to the larger question of how the Cubs will replace Tucker in the starting lineup. The immediate answer will likely be Owen Caissie, but it would be a mistake if the Cubs went into 2026 without some veteran insurance.

That premise seems to be at the center of the Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller listing the Cubs as a potential suitor for Trent Grisham. Grishman is set to become a free agent, but the question remains whether or not the New York Yankees will extend the qualifying offer to the 28-year-old outfielder. For those keeping track at home, the qualifying offer this offseason was set at $22.025MM.

Grisham will be a curious case to follow this offseason, considering 2025 was easily the best year of his career. In 143 games, Grisham slashed .235/.348/.464 with 34 home runs and 129 wRC+. It was the only season where he had over 20+ home runs and the only season where he registered a wRC+ over 100 through 100+ games.

Cubs connected to a head-scratching free agent by Bleacher Report

It would seem likely that a lucrative long-term deal won't be available for Grisham this offseason, but teams could view him as a fallback option to Tucker, Kyle Schwarber, or Pete Alonso.

Regardless, it's hard to connect Grisham to the Cubs. Even if the Cubs aren't planning on replacing Tucker's impact, it seems clear they will enter the 2026 season with Caissie as their right fielder and Seiya Suzuki as the designated hitter. Add in Ian Happ and Pete Crow-Armstrong as the other two in the outfield, and Moises Ballesteros on the bench, there doesn't appear to be a clear path toward regular plate appearances for Grisham on the Cubs' roster.

Circumstances could change, and if the Cubs move one of their outfielders, it does become easier to suggest Grisham as a fit. As of now, though, it doesn't appear all that likely.