Read on foxsports.comStrategic Pivots: Three Moves the Chicago Cubs Should Make If Kyle Tucker Departs
The potential departure of star outfielder Kyle Tucker in MLB free agency would leave a significant void in the Chicago Cubs' lineup and outfield. To counter this loss and remain competitive in the National League, the franchise must execute a calculated backup plan. This article outlines three strategic moves the Cubs should consider: signing veteran outfielder Starling Marte for depth and versatility, acquiring third baseman Alex Bregman to bolster the offense and infield, and pursuing a blockbuster trade for ace pitcher Tarik Skubal to anchor their rotation. These actions would address immediate needs while positioning the team for continued contention.
The Chicago Cubs face a pivotal offseason scenario with star outfielder Kyle Tucker entering free agency. Acquired in a significant trade that sent prospects Cam Smith, Isaac Paredes, and Hayden Wesneski to Houston, Tucker's potential departure would create a substantial production vacuum in both the lineup and the outfield defense. To remain a legitimate threat in the National League, the front office must have a proactive and strategic contingency plan. Based on analysis from industry sources like FOX Sports, here are three targeted moves the Cubs should execute to mitigate the loss of Tucker and strengthen their overall roster.
1. Sign Veteran Outfielder Starling Marte
Replacing Tucker's everyday presence directly is challenging, but the Cubs can build outfield depth and versatility by signing a proven veteran like Starling Marte. A two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner, Marte offers a well-rounded skill set. In the 2025 season, he posted a .270/.335/.410 slash line with a 111 OPS+, demonstrating he remains a capable offensive contributor. More importantly, his defensive flexibility—he has extensive experience at all three outfield positions—would be invaluable.
This signing would allow the Cubs to promote from within, giving young talents like Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara a legitimate shot to claim the everyday right field job alongside Ian Happ and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Marte would then serve as an elite fourth outfielder, providing manager Craig Counsell with a reliable right-handed bat and a proven base-stealing threat (averaging over 38 steals per 162 games in his career) to plug into the lineup as needed. This move addresses the immediate need for a starting-caliber outfielder while fostering the development of the team's next generation.
2. Acquire Third Baseman Alex Bregman
To offset the offensive firepower lost with Tucker, the Cubs should aggressively pursue third baseman Alex Bregman. A player with immense postseason pedigree and consistent production, Bregman slashed .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs and a 128 OPS+ in 2025. His bat would provide an immediate and significant upgrade to the middle of the lineup.
This move also creates positive infield flexibility. While Matt Shaw showed promise at third base last season, his ability to play second base opens options. The Cubs could install Bregman at third, use Shaw to push Nico Hoerner at second base, and utilize the "loser" of that competition as a versatile, high-quality bench piece. Hoerner himself has extensive experience at shortstop. Bregman, likely seeking a shorter-term deal after opting out of his contract with Boston, fits the Cubs' competitive timeline. He provides veteran leadership and Gold Glove-caliber defense at the hot corner, ensuring the team doesn't sacrifice defense for offense.
3. Execute a Trade for Ace Tarik Skubal
The most transformative move would be to trade for Detroit Tigers' left-handed ace Tarik Skubal. The back-to-back American League Cy Young winner is arguably the best pitcher in baseball, posting a dominant 2.21 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 241 strikeouts in 2025. Acquiring Skubal would give the Cubs the true rotation anchor they currently lack, transforming a solid group into an elite one.
While the cost would be steep—likely involving top prospects like Ethan Conrad, one of Caissie or Alcantara, and a young pitcher such as Cade Horton or Ben Brown—the payoff is a franchise-altering talent. Skubal is a free agent after the 2026 season, but trading for him gives the Cubs a critical inside track to sign him to a long-term extension. With Tucker's potential nine-figure contract off the books, the financial flexibility to make such a commitment exists. Adding a pitcher of Skubal's caliber, a proven postseason performer with a 1.74 ERA in the 2025 playoffs, is the final piece that could elevate the Cubs from playoff team to World Series favorite.
In conclusion, losing Kyle Tucker would be a setback, but not a catastrophe if managed correctly. By strategically adding Starling Marte's veteran presence, Alex Bregman's offensive punch and experience, and swinging for the fences with Tarik Skubal, the Chicago Cubs can not only counter Tucker's departure but potentially emerge as a stronger, more balanced, and more formidable contender in the National League.
