Cubs could gain from Dodgers' roster  squeeze sparked by Kyle Tucker contract

The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to announce the signing of former Chicago Cubs All-Star Kyle Tucker in the days ahead, but before they do so, they need to clear a spot on their 40-man roster. The Athletic's (subscription required) Ken Rosenthal reports that as the corresponding move, the Dodgers are expected to trade one of Ryan Ward or Bobby Miller.

Ward is in a similar position with the Dodgers that Michael Busch was in before being traded to the Cubs ahead of the 2024 season. With Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ free agents next offseason, it's possible that the Cubs could have some interest in the 27-year-old outfielder.

Ward has yet to make his major league debut, but has hit over 20 home runs at every level of the organization he's been at since 2021. At the Triple-A level last season, the 2019 draft pick slashed .290/.380/.557 with 36 home runs. The Dodgers haven't exactly had an opening in the outfield, hence why Ward has yet to breakthrough and it now seems that his future will be elsewhere.

Cubs might win big from Dodgers’ Kyle Tucker roster jam

In terms of being a fit for the Cubs' 2026 roster, Miller may be the preferred target for the Cubs. The former first-round pick has a fastball capable of reaching triple digits, but after posting a 3.76 ERA in 22 starts during his rookie season in 2023, the right-hander has struggled.

Given how the Dodgers have emphasized constructing their pitching staff through free agency and trades over the last two years, Miller has fallen out of favor with the organization. The Cubs' reported interest in Zac Gallen suggests that, even after trading for Edward Cabrera, they are still seeking ways to upgrade their pitching staff.

Trading for Miller may be the wiser gamble for the Cubs. The 26-year-old still has minor-league options and would be under team control for several years. Gallen, meanwhile, would likely cost the Cubs more than $22 million per season, and it seems likely that his next contract will contain an opt-out after next season.

While the Cubs are looking for pitching depth this season, they likely are aware of the fact that Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga, and Matthew Boyd are free agents next winter. Gallen's arrival may not do much for providing them with long-term stability for the rotation. Miller, however, would check that box.

Whether it's Ward or Miller, there should be an incentive for the Cubs to make a call to the Dodgers. After all, the trade Busch has proven to be one of the better trades the organization has made in recent memory.