Kyle Tucker likely to leave Cubs for Phillies deal

Kyle Tucker is set to enter the final season of his contract with the Chicago Cubs. Many believe he will not stay with the team after this year. The Cubs acquired Tucker from the Houston Astros earlier this offseason. This move received criticism because the Cubs traded two young players, Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith, for a player who will be a free agent after this season. While Tucker is known as one of the best hitters in baseball, it's doubtful the Cubs can afford to keep him. Jim Bowden from The Athletic predicts that Tucker will sign a massive 14-year deal worth $604 million with the Philadelphia Phillies after the season. The Phillies are expected to have more financial flexibility soon, allowing them to make a significant offer to a player like Tucker. In contrast, the Cubs have never made a deal of this size in their history. They are unlikely to offer Tucker a contract close to $600 million. As Tucker's free agency approaches, it is expected to be highly competitive, with many teams interested in signing him.