Kyle Tucker's future with Cubs uncertain as free agency looms

The Chicago Cubs were eliminated from the postseason Saturday, falling 3-1 to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 5 of the National League Division Series, and outfielder Kyle Tucker said he is uncertain whether he will remain with the team beyond this season, raising the prospect that he will test free agency. Tucker, who was acquired from Houston last December, offered little clarity after the loss, saying, "We'll see what happens. I don't know what the future is going to hold," and adding that it "was an honor playing with all these guys."

Tucker finished his first season in Chicago with a .266 batting average, a .377 onbase percentage and a .464 slugging percentage, with 22 home runs, 73 runs batted in and 25 stolen bases across 136 games. He agreed to a one-year, $16.5 million deal to avoid arbitration for 2025. He endured a fractured right hand during the summer and a calf strain in September, and his production cooled in the second half. In eight postseason games he went 7 for 27 with a home run, five walks and five runs scored.

Those performance and health factors, coupled with contract expectations, will shape Tucker's market. Industry projections place his potential...