Bleacher Report's Kyle Tucker fallback list sounds way too on-brand for Cubs

It's been made very clear that the Chicago Cubs don't exactly have a "replace Kyle Tucker" plan this offseason. The Cubs are planning on giving Owen Caissie and Moises Ballesteros extended runways at the Major League level next season, and the hope is that, collectively, they can provide balance to a lineup that looked broken last season when Tucker was injured.

Given the need to also improve their bench, if the Cubs aren't going to be replacing Tucker with a big-ticket item this winter, it would seem plausible that they add a veteran outfielder as some insurance for Caissie.

Listing potential fallback options for the Cubs this offseason, assuming that Tucker isn't back, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller points to Michael Conforto, Lane Thomas, and Jesse Winker. They also mentioned Cedric Mullins, but he was taken off the market earlier this week by the Tampa Bay Rays.

Michael Conforto would be a hilarious way for the Cubs to replace Kyle Tucker.

When Conforto was ready to return to Major League Baseball after a two-year hiatus, focusing on getting healthy, the Cubs did have some level of interest. However, the San Francisco Giants swooped in, and after two seasons of moderate success, he landed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025.

Conforto wasn't exactly the solution the Dodgers were hoping for in the outfield, slashing .199/.305/.333 with 12 home runs and a wRC+ of 83. Given the struggles, Conforto was not used during the Dodgers' playoff run. Between his struggles last season and the fact that he hits from the left side of the plate, it's hard to imagine the Cubs having much interest.

In a world where Conforto is still hanging around in February, still looking for a team, a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training would make sense. However, before then, the Cubs will likely prioritize adding a right-handed hitting outfielder, and one capable of playing center field.

An option like Rob Refsnyder remains one of the ideal options for the Cubs' bench. He hits from the right-side of the plate and is capable of playing all three outfield positions. In a world where Kevin Alcantara is traded for a cost-controlled starting pitcher, Refsnyder should be the target for Jed Hoyer and Co.