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Losing a superstar like Juan Soto is no small thing, and most teams would struggle to stay competitive after that kind of loss. But the New York Yankees aren’t just any team. Despite Soto’s departure, they’ve managed to hold their ground and are actually looking like one of the top contenders in the American League so far this season.
Still, even with their strong start, the Yankees know there’s always room to get better—just like the classic Yankee teams that were never satisfied with “good enough.” If they really want to prove that losing Soto didn’t shake them—and maybe even send him a little message—they could be planning something big in the offseason.
One name that’s starting to pop up? Kyle Tucker, currently with the Chicago Cubs. He’s an all-around star—solid at the plate, in the field, and still very much in his prime. Tucker is set to become a free agent after this season if he and the Cubs can’t agree on a contract extension.
There’s been a lot of buzz suggesting that Tucker will test the open market and see just how much he’s worth. While there’s always a chance the Cubs could work out a last-minute deal, it’s not looking super likely. Why? Because the Cubs haven’t been in the habit of handing out massive contracts in recent years. That makes this situation one of the most interesting storylines to keep an eye on.
Jim Bowden from The Athletic weighed in and said he’s skeptical that the Cubs will be able to keep Tucker. In fact, he believes Tucker could be worth a jaw-dropping $600 million if he hits free agency. Bowden pointed out that if Soto was able to land a $765 million deal, Tucker—who’s not far behind in talent—could easily command something in that same ballpark.
In Bowden’s words:
“I doubt the Cubs will sign Tucker this season. He’d be smart to hit free agency and see what teams are willing to pay. If Soto’s worth $765 million, Tucker could be worth $600 million or more. No one really knows yet, but I don’t think the Cubs will go that high.”
And honestly? $600 million sounds crazy for a baseball player, but that’s just where the market is headed. The Yankees have the money, the brand, and the motivation to make a move like that. If Tucker becomes available, a lot of people expect them to be right at the front of the line.