Pitching is the focus of the Chicago Cubs' offseason, but the fact remains that they are losing a big piece of their offense in Kyle Tucker. While the Cubs seem to be comfortable with giving more plate appearances to Owen Caissie and Moises Ballesteros in 2026, it stands to reason the team will be opportunistic if one of the top position players on the free-agent market has a sweepstakes that stalls.
Odds would circle Alex Bregman as the likeliest candidate to have his free agency drag out, considering he is likely looking for the long-term contract that alluded him last offseason, but an injury and second-half slump could lead to the same hesitancy teams acted with last offseason.