The consensus around the league is that Kyle Tucker is headed out of Chicago. Unless you expect the Cubs and their budget-conscious Ricketts ownership to outspend the Dodgers, it’s only safe to say the four-time All-Star outfielder will be wearing a different uniform in the next campaign. With just one year left on his contract, it’s time for the Cubs to figure out who can fill the void left by their do-it-all star.

In Zachary D. Rymer’s recent piece, he floated the idea of a trade that makes all the sense but could very well break baseball fandom’s collective mind. He insisted on a potential Cubs-Phillies blockbuster.

It’s the one that would swap eight-time All-Star Bryce Harper for Cubs top prospect Owen Caissie and their leading pitching prospect, Jaxon Wiggins.

Harper holds 10-and-5 rights, meaning he can’t be traded without his approval. Luckily for the Chicago Cubs, he’s always had a thing for Wrigley Field. He once called Chicago his top choice back when he hit free agency six years ago.

Even financially, it makes sense. Harper is still owed $153 million over the next six years. That is a bargain compared to what Kyle Tucker could command in free agency this winter.

He’d be a natural replacement in the lineup, while the Phillies would clear some salary and pick up two near-MLB-ready prospects who could make an impact by 2026.

Not to forget, the Phillies are reportedly dealing with some internal drama, and Bryce Harper is right at the heart of it. After Dave Dombrowski delivered a blunt take on their $330 million star, Harper was really hurt, mostly because of the trade buzz. I have given my all to Philly from the start. Now there is trade talk? I made every effort to avoid this. It’s all I heard in D.C. (with the Nationals). I hated it. It makes me feel uncomfortable.” Buster Olney from ESPN backed Harper up on this one.

He later signed a 13-year, $330 million deal with the Phillies. But this time, it could be different. Now, coming back to Kyle Tucker, he could be headed to Los Angeles after this season.

The Cubs are ‘likely’ to hand Kyle Tucker to the Dodgers

The Cubs made a solid run this season. However, they ultimately fell short of the Milwaukee Brewers, first in the NL Central and then again in the NLDS.

The Cubs’ front office deserves some share of criticism. Largely for being too cautious at the trade deadline. After trading for Kyle Tucker in the final year of his deal, they needed to double down. They had to add more pitching and another strong bat for the postseason push.

That hurts, but it’s going to hurt even more when Tucker officially walks away in free agency. Without him, it’ll be tough for the Cubs to keep up with powerhouses like the Dodgers.

Still, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Jesse Rogers, the Cubs are not likely to re-sign Tucker. And the Dodgers appear to be the favorites to land him.

“The Cubs are likely going to let Tucker walk, while the Phillies haven’t closed the door on a reunion with Schwarber,” Rogers stated.

“Chicago has more budget constraints than Philadelphia, meaning the Cubs probably don’t want to tie up $35-40 million on one player.”

Earlier this year, when Kyle Tucker’s bat was on fire, reports insisted he could be eyeing a deal worth between $400 and $600 million. And so, Passan believes he’ll easily top $300 million, and teams like the Dodgers, Giants, and Phillies are all ready to pay that price. Where do you think Kyle Tucker will end up playing for?