MLB free agency officially begins today as four-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker will be the biggest prize on the market. He’s predicted to receive a massive $400 million-plus contract, and after coming off back-to-back World Series championships, the Los Angeles Dodgers are believed to be the frontrunners to sign him. However, one former general manager believes a Dodgers rival could be their biggest opponent for Tucker’s services.
During an appearance on MLB Network, analyst Steve Phillips, former general manager of the New York Mets, believes the San Francisco Giants could slip in and lure Tucker away from Los Angeles.
“I also think you have to keep in mind the San Francisco Giants would look at getting a guy like Tucker as addition and a double win if the Dodgers don’t get him,” Phillips said. “So I can see the Giants and [president of baseball operations] Buster Posey adding to that offense and lengthen the depth of the lineup with a guy like Kyle Tucker.”
Will the Dodgers target Kyle Tucker this offseason?@StevePhillipsGM looks at the market for Tucker and explains why the Giants could be in on the free agent outfielder more than LA. pic.twitter.com/RygpRX9nXI
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 6, 2025
Posey Looking to Build on Aggressive Moves
In his first major move as an executive last offseason, Posey, who won three World Series championships with the Giants, signed shortstop Willy Adames to a seven-year, $182 million contract. Posey then pulled off a stunning trade with the Boston Red Sox, acquiring three-time All-Star Rafael Devers in June. However, the Giants failed to make the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season and ranked 19th in home runs (173), 17th in runs scored (705) and 22nd in OPS (.697).
On top of the Giants, Phillips believes American League champion Toronto Blue Jays will also make a play for Tucker.
“I think that the Mets should be in on it. We know the Cubs will be back in, but I don’t know if they’re going to play with the big boys. And I could see a way the Blue Jays consider doing something in that area as well, depending on what they do with their infield,” Phillips noted. “[Addison] Barger could play third base. [Ernie] Clement could play second. You can add Tucker to your outfield and go that way. Toronto’s got a lot of moving parts that lets that it really lets them get in on everybody.”
The Chicago Cubs acquired Tucker in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros in December 2024. The 29-year-old was playing at an MVP-caliber level in the first half of the season before a small fracture in his right hand led to a prolonged slump. He also landed on the injured list in September with a calf issue.
Tucker finished the season slashing .266/.377/.464 with a 143 OPS+, 22 home runs, 25 doubles, 73 RBI, 91 runs scored and a 4.6 bWAR. It’s the lowest number of home runs he’s hit since becoming a full-time starter, not counting the 2020 COVID-shortened season.
