The man that they call ‘Big Cat’ is ready to pounce on the Chicago Cubs if needed.
Barstool Sports’ Dan Katz has spent the season watching outfielder Kyle Tucker’s impressive first season in Chicago, and he likes what he’s seen. Tucker entered Wednesday batting .271 with 18 home runs, 61 RBIs, and a .859 OPS for the Cubs, who hold the NL’s top Wild Card spot and remain on track for their first playoff berth since 2020.
However, Tucker is a pending free agent, and the 28-year-old appears headed for a massive contract. Although Tucker likely won’t join Shohei Ohtani or Juan Soto in the $700 million club, he should clear at least $300 million, barring an injury or shockingly slow market.
There’s no reason to believe that the Cubs won’t attempt to extend Tucker, nor have there been credible reports that he doesn’t want to remain in Chicago. Count Katz among those who hope to see Tucker crushing home runs at Wrigley Field next summer and beyond.
“If the Cubs don’t have a Kyle in the lineup to start 2026 we riot,” Katz wrote. “I won’t be picky on which Kyle it is. But we need a Kyle.”
The other Kyle in question is Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, who played for the Cubs from 2015-20. Schwarber has already topped 40 home runs for the third time in four years and leads the majors with 94 RBIs. The 32-year-old owns a career-high .973 OPS and has accumulated 4.1 bWAR for the NL East-leading Phillies.
Schwarber is also a pending free agent and is expected to command one final significant contract. The three-time All-Star inked a four-year, $79 million deal with the Phillies ahead of the 2022 season.
-1750309924-q80.webp "Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafrenière May Not Be On The Trade Block After All")
-1749905319-q80.webp "NFL free agency: Panthers linked to Patriots' former Super Bowl winning linebacker")
-1754189186-q80.webp "Why a Sidney Crosby trade to Colorado remains a Pipe Dream")