Latest Kyle Tucker rumor is the one Cubs fans already knew was coming

Throughout the regular season and into the early weeks of the offseason, the expectation was that the Los Angeles Dodgers would be the team to sign Kyle Tucker. With the Chicago Cubs not being motivated to be at the forefront of his free agency, and the Dodgers needing an outfielder, it was a natural prediction.

After floating out a scenario in recent weeks that they may need to trade starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow or outfielder Teoscar Hernandez as a way to clear payroll space, the Dodgers set that talk to the side on Tuesday by signing All-Star closer Edwin Diaz to a three-year deal worth $69 million.

Fresh off the Diaz signing, it seems that they are exploring ways to sign Tucker. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo (subscription required) report that the Dodgers are interested in the All-Star outfielder, but there is a catch. Interestingly, like the Cubs, the Dodgers don't appear interested in a long-term deal with Tucker but would be willing to do a short-term deal with a high AAV that includes opt-outs.

To no surprise, the Dodgers are planning their pursuit of Kyle Tucker.

The premise of Tucker taking a short-term deal, like Alex Bregman did last offseason, would be that he can replenish his stock after an injury-riddled second half, and cash in again in the next offseason or two. The Cubs likely would be interested in that type of deal as well, but the impression remains that each side is ready to go in a different direction.

Not to mention, if you're Tucker, in a position where you are looking for a bounce-back, opting to play most of your games at Wrigley Field likely wouldn't be the wisest choice.

It also does seem like a fruitless exercise to ponder. While Tucker may not land the $400 million contract many had earmarked for him once he got off to a hot start in Chicago last year, his market remains healthy with the Toronto Blue Jays among the teams on his trail.

The Winter Meetings have continued the expectation of the Cubs not having a plan to replace Tucker. While there could be a scenario where they land Bregman this offseason, Owen Caissie and Moises Ballesteros stand to benefit the most from Tucker's departure.