Kyle Tucker, a standout outfielder and perhaps the top player on the MLB free agent market, is someone the Chicago Cubs should be ready to invest heavily in. However, if Tucker decides to leave, the Cubs need a solid backup plan to make up for his potential absence. It’s worth noting that Chicago acquired Tucker from the Houston Astros last offseason in exchange for former first-round pick Cam Smith, infielder Isaac Paredes, and pitcher Hayden Wesneski.
If Tucker does depart, here are three strategic moves the Cubs might consider:
1. Starling Marte, a two-time All-Star, would be a fitting addition as a starting-level outfielder. Marte, with a strong 2025 showing (9 HRs, 34 RBIs, .270/.335/.410 slash line), brings versatility having played all three outfield positions and is a proven base-stealer, averaging 38.2 steals per 162 games over his career. With Tucker gone, Chicago can give Owen Casey and Kevin Alcantara regular roles in right field, keep Ian Happ and Pete Crow Armstrong active in the outfield, and use Seiya Suzuki mainly as a designated hitter, positioning Marte as a valuable fourth outfielder.
2. Alex Bregman offers stability and experience at third base. He posted strong stats in 2025, including 18 home runs, 62 RBI, and a .273/.360/.462 slash line, combined with Gold Glove-caliber defense. The Cubs, who already have promising talent like Matt Shaw and Nico Horner, could benefit from Bregman’s veteran presence and offensive boost while Shaw competes for a starting role at second base. Bregman’s recent history includes a three-year, $120 million deal with the Boston Red Sox which he declined after one year, suggesting he may be open to a shorter-term contract that aligns with Chicago’s needs.
3. Tariq Skubal is a top-tier starting pitcher who could anchor the Cubs’ rotation. He led the American League in key pitching stats in the past two seasons, with a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts in 2025. Skubal’s diverse pitching arsenal and durability make him a formidable ace, and acquiring him would elevate Chicago’s pitching staff into an elite category. While his contract situation might be costly and require trading high-profile prospects, the potential payoff is a dominant presence on the mound that complements other rotation members like Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd.
The Cubs were just one win shy of reaching the National League Championship Series last season, and by replacing Tucker’s bat with talents like Bregman or Marte and aiming for an ace like Skubal, they could become a serious contender against the ’ dominance.
Fan Take: This potential reshuffling highlights the intense competition and strategic moves in MLB’s free agency and trade markets. For baseball fans, it’s exciting to see how a team like the Cubs can pivot and build a championship-worthy roster even after losing a star player, showcasing the sport’s dynamic nature.
