Cubs' Kyle Tucker contract hopes on life support after snub from ESPN insider

Chicago Cubs' All-Star right fielder Kyle Tucker is currently dealing with a calf injury, and it has added to the weirdness that has defined his second half. A hairline fracture in Tucker's hand led to an uncomfortable offensive slump in July and August, and whether the Cubs want to admit it or not, it seems to have set the stage for his departure this offseason.

Once a firm believed that Tucker would be back with the Cubs after this season, Jeff Passan seems to have changed his tune. In his latest work for ESPN, Passan had an early look at this offseason's free-agent class, and the Cubs barely got a mention when it comes to Tucker's future.

"The Philadelphia Phillies could desperately use a big corner outfield bat, particularly if the next player on this list takes his talents elsewhere. The San Francisco Giants need a complement toRafael Devers in the middle of the lineup. Others, including the Cubs, will be in the mix. The market will find Tucker, as it eventually does with the best players in every class."

It's almost like Passan forgot to mention the Cubs, and then at the end, gave Tucker's current team a courtesy by saying that they will be in the mix.

Cubs’ Kyle Tucker pursuit just hit a wall thanks to ESPN insider

Passan also answered the question that has been on every Cubs fan's mind recently: Has Tucker's slump impacted his free agency? The short answer is yes. Once believed to be a lock to get a deal north of $500MM, the 12-year, $365MM contract Mookie Betts signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers was the point of reference for Passan when talking about Tucker's next deal. Considering the teams expected to be involved in Tucker's free agency, it does seem that Tucker will top Betts' value, with $400MM easily being within reach.

Even with Tucker's expected price falling, it's hard to envision the Cubs being the team to set his market. The stage is set for Owen Caissie to take over right field in 2026, and that likely is why Passan snubbed the Cubs when talking about Tucker's free agency.

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