The Kyle Tucker rumors just took a turn in the most annoying way possible

When it comes to Kyle Tucker, the biggest reason why the Chicago Cubs should be putting every effort into signing him to a long-term contract during the season is because if he hits free agency, the outcome that is most likely is one that fans have become all too familiar with.

That is the Dodgers running circles around the Cubs when it comes to the pursuit of a mutual target. MLB insider Bob Nightengale offered this nugget information while empting his notebook for USA Today over the weekend.

"The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to jump into the free-agent fray for Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker this winter. They may not be the high bidder, but they’ll surely keep everyone honest just as they did when they were in the Juan Soto sweepstakes," Nightengale reported.

Here is the issue with the Dodgers "keeping everyone honest", that often means they can still reach a level that outbids what the Cubs prefer to offer. That was the case this past offseason with closer Tanner Scott. The Cubs had a four-year offer on the table with Scott before the Dodgers entered the conversation, and if all things are equal, in this market, the tie goes to Los Angeles.

The Dodgers are already lurking in the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes

While we're on the subject of Tucker and the Dodgers, we can't ignore the fact that he isn't a free agent. Throughout the first month of the season, there has been an uptick in rumors of teams interested in Tucker this offseason. Of course, there are ways around Major League Baseball's tampering rules, but rival execs seem willing to talk about Tucker's contract status freely.

One thing that isn't being talked about is how Tucker could be a test for how Major League teams are thinking about the potential work stoppage following the 2026 season. While the Dodgers will still likely spend with no regard for what that means for labor negotiations, a look at the Cubs' payroll commitments beyond 2026 does suggest the team has the potential work stoppage in mind.